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Hurricanes forward Bryan Bickell diagnosed with multiple sclerosis

Nov 11, 2016 | 12:00 PM

RALEIGH, N.C. — Carolina Hurricanes forward Bryan Bickell has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

The team announced the diagnosis on Friday. 

“Since the 2015 playoffs, I’ve been struggling to understand what was going on with my body,” Bickell said in a release. “Again during the past few weeks, it felt like something wasn’t right. Obviously this is a bit of shock for my family and me, but I am hopeful I will be able to return to the ice and continue playing the game that I love.”

Bickell, 30, has scored one goal in seven games with the Hurricanes this season.

The Bowmanville, Ont., native was acquired by Carolina on June 15 from Chicago, where he was a member of the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2010, 2013 and 2015.

“First and foremost, the most important thing is for Bryan to take care of himself and our thoughts are with him and his family,” said Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis. “He will need to take some time to rest in the immediate future, and we will support him as he takes the necessary steps for his health. We ask that his privacy be respected during the process.”

Bickell was drafted by Chicago in the second round, 41st overall, in the 2004 NHL draft, and has scored 66 goals and earned 70 assists in 391 NHL career regular-season games with the Blackhawks and Hurricanes

“Our thoughts are with Bryan, his family and the Carolina Hurricanes during this challenging time,” Blackhawks president John McDonough said in a statement. “He has built so many lasting relationships in Chicago both inside and outside of the Blackhawks organization based on his play on the ice and character off of it.

“Together, we will keep him in our thoughts during his fight against the disease.”

 

The Canadian Press