Well as some of you know, I'm a big fan of hockey so when the draft was happening I paid close attention. And you know what's cool? When the Ducks announced they're re-signing Saku Koivu, they also mentioned that the dude had a long battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and overcame it. He returned to playing just seven months after he was diagnosed--DIAGNOSED. That means he was still playing when he had it. What a champ.
Image courtesy of NHL.com
He won the Bill Masterton Trophy during the 2002 season, which is given every year to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. He won it just after he was came back to start playing after he was diagnosed. He was also honored with the 2007 King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his work with the Saku Koivu Foundation, which he founded to help raise funds for cancer-fighting equipment. The King Clancy Trophy is awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.
New favorite hockey player!
hahha and not to mention he's a hottie ;)
ReplyDeleteThis guy is my hero!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad he survived non-Hodgkin's!
ReplyDelete