Vancouver center Dakota Joshua has been diagnosed with testicular cancer. The 28-year-old will therefore not be able to participate when the NHL team starts its preseason camp.
"The news was of course frightening, but fortunately, the doctors were able to remove the tumor. The past few weeks have been extremely challenging", says Joshua in a statement on the Canucks' website.
"I won't be able to participate in the beginning of the training camp since I need to recover from the operation. I'm working hard to be back as soon as possible".
Joshua also urges all men to regularly test themselves for cancer. He signed a new four-year contract worth 13 million dollars (equivalent to 132 million kronor) this summer.
Vancouver will begin the season against Calgary on October 9.