The 4 Nations Face-Off is hogging all the attention of the hockey community right now. But for the New York Rangers fans, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns as a community member recently revealed news of his prostate cancer diagnosis.

During last month’s match between New York and Dallas, Rangers broadcaster John Giannone revealed his health situation. Immediately, the NHL community stepped forward to let him know that he wasn’t alone in the fight against the deadly disease.

New York Rangers’ celebrity had shoulders to lean on

On January 8, the MSG Network stalwart took to X to note how he received incredible backing from the fans after they learned about his prostate cancer battle. “As I said last night on @MSGNetworks, the support since my prostate cancer diagnosis has been overwhelming and SO impactful,” Giannone wrote in the social media update, noting his gratitude. He went on to share how the New York Rangers fans showered him with more love and support after announcing his health update.

“THANK YOU for all the well wishes. I have read them all. And I will cherish them all,” John wrote in his X post. During the Rangers and Stars’ match, the commentator noted how he got to learn about the cancer after a routine check-up. “It came after a routine yearly physical. A heightened blood test that led to an MRI and then finally a biopsy that produced the diagnosis,” Giannone stated. The studio host for New York Rangers MSG broadcasts went on to state how he felt “thankful” that the care had already begun.

He also said how his colleague Steve Valiquette from the MSG Network stood by him every step of the way. “I will be forever thankful,” John said with a grateful smile, as Valiquette made it clear that his job was made easier by having the former by his side. While the broadcaster already seemed to have enough support, fans once again showed up in throngs to underscore that they won’t be leaving John’s hand either.

The fans confirm their backing

Knowing about Giannone’s condition, a fan, who is a cancer survivor themself, noted how cancer isn’t something that always wins. Instead, proper medical care can make a significant change, opined the fan. “As a cancer survivor I am praying for you. Since my operation 5 years ago I have been cancer free. There is hope. God bless you and your family,” the fan commented under John’s post. “It’s coming up on 10 years ago that I was diagnosed with prostate cancer & treated with CyberKnife radiation at NYU Langone by Dr Jonathan Haas. I am fine & I’m sure you will be too. Wishing you the same results I have had,” another fan shared their own story to assure the New York Rangers’ voice that things aren’t going to be all grim.

The Washington Capitals’ legendary broadcaster Craig Laughlin also recently shared that his open heart surgery went well and he’s en route to getting back to full health. With such inspirational news coming to the fore, John should feel confident that hope is never too far away! Another community member, who seemed to have a special connection with Giannone and whose spouse had to go through a similar ordeal also said that John shouldn’t let the diagnosis bring him down. “Our sons played soccer against each other in high school…My wife has gone through cancer. There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel,” the fan said with a certain brightness to their tone.

For another fan, it’s a fight that the New York Rangers broadcaster is destined to win. “My man, you’re not just going to beat this, you’re going to smash it into a million pieces with your strength, optimism and big heart,” the fan’s pep talk would make anyone want to go out and kick cancer out of the field. Naturally, John too was moved. “I really appreciate your support and taking the time to reach out,” Giannone had to reply.

“We are all brothers in the fight now,” one more survivor reiterated that the fight against cancer won’t be fought by anyone alone. “It’s been 24 years since my diagnosis of prostate cancer and its subsequent removal and I’m here, stronger than ever,” more hopeful news kept coming! Do you also have any encouraging messages to share with the New York Rangers broadcaster? Share it with us below!