“I Was Crying All Day” : Cancer-Surviving NHL Legend Once Overcame the Darkest Day of His Life

Leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to win the Stanley Cup twice, Mario Lemieux is considered a legend even today. Diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 1993, the deadly disease temporarily stopped his amazing stint in hockey. Sharing the news about the disease in a press conference in 1993, the ice hockey player promised he would return. Lemieux not only kept his promise but made such a strong comeback that fans were stunned. 

The ice hockey player appeared in the press conference after playing a recent game for the Pittsburgh Penguins versus the Boston Bruins. Relating how the news devastated him, Lemieux told NHL fans that his health was a priority. The details of his battles with cancer and Lemieux’s unforgettable return the same year to the ice rink is an inspiring story that is forever etched in NHL history.

Mario Lemieux was never out of form

During this press conference, Lemieux stated, “When the doctor gave me this news, I could hardly drive home because of the tears, and was crying all day.”  After this conference, Lemieux focused on his health and took radiation treatment for his cancer. Lemieux had a swollen lump on his neck which he healed through this treatment that lasted for a month. During his treatment, the ice hockey player missed 20 games. However, after his recovery, Lemieux came back with a bang. 

Despite being out of form, Lemieux played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in a match versus the Philadelphia Flyers. Taking possession of the puck in the game’s second period, Lemieux scored his 40th goal in 1993. A notable fact was that in these final few games of the 1993 season, Lemieux scored 30 goals and accomplished 26 assists. His amazing performance was also lauded by the NHL who named him the MVP of the season even though he missed several games due to his treatment.

Read More: Checking Out the Top Ten NHL Players From the 2023 Edition

Today, after 29 years of Lemieux’s comeback, his story has become an inseparable part of NHL history. Another player, whose contribution to ice hockey remains unforgettable is Wayne Gretzky. Playing for the Edmonton Oilers for the major part of his career, Gretzky was an on-field rival of Lemieux who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, these two on-field rivals surprisingly united for a very special occasion. 

Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux unite for the Canada Cup 1987 

Lemieux and Gretzky played unitedly as part of Canada’s ice hockey team to defeat the Soviet Union (present-day Russia). According to reports, the winner would be declared through a three-game finale. 

While the Soviet Union team emerged victorious in the first game, the Canadian team secured victory in the second game. During the final game, the score was 5-5 in the thrilling match. Less than 120 seconds into the game, ‘The Great One’ passed the puck to Lemieux who shot it toward the Soviet team’s net and scored the goal. The crowd erupted, as the Canadian team won the cup. 

Watch This Story: Here’s a Quick Look at Top Homes Owned by NHL Players

Lemieux and Gretzky’s contribution to ice hockey will continue to inspire future generations of ice hockey players, don’t you think?