Former NHL player and coach Kevin Dineen announced he has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The 62-year-old Dineen, who played 19 seasons, made the disclosure on Sunday.
“This Thanksgiving feels a bit different,” he said on social media. “A few months ago, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It has put a lot into perspective, most of all how lucky I am to be surrounded by so many supportive family and friends.”
Dineen had 355 goals and 760 points in 1,188 NHL games over 19 seasons. He had 23 goals and 41 points in 59 playoff games.
The two-time All-Star played nearly half of his career with the Hartford Whalers over two stints (1984-92, 1996-97) and was a big fan favorite. He had career bests of 45 goals and 89 points in the 1988-89 season and also had 40 goals in 1986-87.
He played two more season with the franchise after its move to become the Carolina Hurricanes. Dineen also played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets. He retired early in the 2002-03 campaign.
Overall, Dineen scored 30 or more goals five times, including 35 for the Flyers in 1992-93.
Dineen had a 56-62-28 record in parts of three season as coach of the Florida Panthers in the 2011-14 seasons.
Dineen publicly revealed his battle at the end of November, which is Hockey Fights Cancer Month.
“As #HockeyFightsCancer Month comes to an end, I wanted to share my news because hockey has taught me that no fight is faced alone. For anyone out there battling something heavy — whether it’s cancer or another fight entirely — I want you to know you are not alone,” Dineen said on social media.
Dineen’s brothers, Gord and Peter, and father Bill all played in the NHL.
–Field Level Media
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