Former New York Islanders winger and TVA hockey analyst Mike Bossy is battling lung cancer.
He broke the news in a letter to TVA Sports on Tuesday.
“It is with great sadness that I have to step away from your screens, for a necessary break. During this break, I will be receiving treatment for lung cancer. (The score is) 1-0 so far , but I haven’t said my last word, ”Bossy wrote.
“I intend to fight with all the determination and fire that you have seen me show on the ice.”
Referring to viewers, he added, “You will never be far on my mind. On the contrary, you will have pride of place and be part of what motivates me to improve.
“Like all athletes preparing for the greatest performance of their life, I will need all of my strength and focus.”
Bossy, 64, helped the Islanders win 4 straight Stanley Cups, starting in 1980.
The Montreal native has collected 573 goals and 1,126 points in 10 seasons.
Bossy won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 1978 and Conn Smythe as the league’s MVP in 1982. He also received the Lady Byng Trophy for Sportsmanship in 1983, 1984 and 86 .
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on October 19, 2021.
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