Phil Kessel Diagnosed With Cancer

According to WCCO News in Boston, Bruins’ Superstar Phil Kessel has been diagnosed with Testicular Cancer 

WCCO) Boston, Mass. Former University of Minnesota gopher hockey player Phil Kessel has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, WCCO-TV’s sister station in Boston, Mass. reported.

Kessel was a first-round pick for the Boston Bruins and the fifth overall pick. He played one season at Minnesota before signing a multiyear contract with the Bruins in August. The center led Minnesota and was sixth in the WCHA in scoring with 18 goals and 33 assists in 34 games.

Sources said Kessel is at Mass. General Hospital and was scheduled for surgery. He is said to be in good spirits.

On Monday, the Bruins issued a statement from Kessel’s family saying he would receive treatment Monday.

The family’s statement said, “At this time there is no further update on Phil’s condition. When there is an update, and it is appropriate to do so, we will update everyone on Phil’s health.”

Kessel did not practice Monday and will not play in Tuesday night’s game.

Testicular cancer usually occurs in young men and can be treated and often cured, according to the American Cancer Society.

Each year, about 8,000 men are diagnosed. It is one of the most curable forms of cancer.

A man’s risk of getting this cancer in his lifetime is about one in 300, according to specialists

Our best wishes go out to Phil and his family.