Some upsetting news, as it was announced today that Brian Boyle has chronic myeloid leukemia, a type of cancer of the bone marrow.
Devils forward Brian Boyle has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia.
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) September 19, 2017
Boyle played for the Maple Leafs at the tail-end of last season and into the playoffs, before signing with the New Jersey Devils in the offseason. The news came as a shock to the hockey world, with a number of players that know Boyle showing support.
We are all thinking of you and your family @BriBrows22. There is no doubt in my mind that you will beat this
— Steven Stamkos (@RealStamkos91) September 19, 2017
Luckily for Boyle, the disease was caught in the early stages, and it is treatable.
“Relative to that big ugly L word (leukemia), it’s good news,” Boyle said.
#NJDevils re Brian Boyle. From team Dr. Michael Farber: Boyle diagnosed with CML. A type of cancer of the bone marrow. Largely treatable.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) September 19, 2017
“My mindset is on October 7 (season opener). I don’t like missing games. I feel as close to normal as you can feel,” said Boyle, who added he plans on living a normal life.
“We have a good plan of attack and I look forward to getting on the ice and playing.”
The 32-year-old played 21 regular season games with Toronto during the regular season, plus all six Leafs playoff games.