The Saint John Sea Dogs have announced that defenceman Oliver Felixson has Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
His family has flown to the city to be with the 18-year-old, who is from Helsinki, Finland.
“As I’m sure you can imagine, this news came as a complete shock to me and my family,” Felixon said in a statement.
“The past few days have been difficult, but they have been made easier by the presence of my parents, who flew over from Finland when we received my diagnosis. I am so thankful to have the full support of the entire Sea Dogs organization, my billets, teammates, coaches and staff.”
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a treatable and curable cancer.
Pittsburgh Penguins great Mario Lemieux also suffered from Hodgkins Lymphona, was treated and returned to play.
Sea Dogs president Trevor Georgie says they are all with Felixson as he goes through this.
