Phil Kessel, Cancer Survivor
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by user UNT66
If there is a player that should get an invite to the YoungStars Games during NHL All-Star Week in Dallas, it's Phil Kessel of the Boston Bruins......
Yet, it's not because of his stats (5 Goals and 4 Assists in 27 Games), it is because of what Kessel did away from the ice, facing and defeating testicular cancer.
Similar to what Lance Armstrong went through, Kessel had to leave the Bruins for the surgery to remove the cancer. Yet, less then a month out of the lineup, Kessel was recalled from the Bruins AHL Affiliate and should play with the Bruins on Tuesday Night at Ottawa.
For Kessel, an invite to the YoungStars Game would be a great reward for a successful recovery from testicular cancer. Besides, Kessel's Bruins doesn't travel to Dallas this season, as part of the NHL Unbalanced Schedule, where the teams in the Pacific and Northeast Division don't play each other.
For the NHL, Kessel's inclusion in the YoungStars game would be a great statement for a league that needs one, as the TV numbers are down and the only matter that has captured the U.S.'s attention is where the Penguins will relocate to.
JG
