Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson thanked the hockey world on Friday for the support he has received since his wife Nicholle's recent cancer diagnosis.
In a joint statement released by the NHL team, Craig and Nicholle revealed she is battling nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the most common cancer originating in the nasopharynx in the upper region of the throat behind the nose.
"We would like to express our gratitude to the Ottawa Senators organization, from [owner] Eugene Melnyk to [general manager] Pierre Dorion, [head] coach [Guy] Boucher and the players to the other wives, girlfriends and fans who have gone to great lengths to allow us both to battle this together," said the Andersons.
While the Senators initially believed Craig would be spending considerable time away from the team after Nicholle's diagnosis, Boucher is optimistic the 35-year-old goaltender will be around more often.
'We simply ask for your thoughts and well wishes and that those who choose to, continue to support their local cancer society.' - Craig and Nicholle Anderson's message to hockey fans worldwide
The Andersons said Nicholle's cancer, which requires chemotherapy and radiation, has already started at Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Centre in New York.
Craig and Nicholle also expressed their gratitude to the Philadelphia Flyers for helping arrange the initial screening with their oncologist in Lehigh Valley along with the Ottawa Senators Foundation.
"Many people have approached us asking how they can support us during this challenging time," said the Andersons. "We simply ask for your thoughts and well wishes and that those who choose to, continue to support their local cancer society for research on how to cure this disease."
Sutter explains wearing @Senators netminder Craig Anderson's wife's name on his #HockeyFightsCancer jersey. http://pic.twitter.com/x7yeiJTCbD
— @Canucks
Craig first took a leave of absence in late October and upon his return made 37 saves in an emotional 2-0 victory over Edmonton.
Since then, Craig has posted a 3-3 record with an outstanding .946 save percentage. He was practising with the team Friday morning after Mike Condon started Thursday night in a 5-1 loss to the visiting Nashville Predators.
The 10-6-1 Senators, who sit third in the Atlantic Division, play host to Florida on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.
Senators' Craig Anderson, ailing wife thank hockey world for support
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