Anderson’s quiet perseverance as wife Nicholle battles cancer inspires Senators
OTTAWA — Craig Anderson’s quiet perseverance has spoken volumes for the Ottawa Senators.
The Senators’ No. 1 goaltender has missed parts of the season to be with his wife Nicholle as she battles a rare form of throat cancer. Yet through 34 games Anderson is 22-10-0-2, and his ability to remain focused has been an inspiration to his teammates and management.
“The fact he’s been able to juggle all that together and keep his cool and keep his performances up to the level is absolutely outstanding and you have to be inspired by that,” coach Guy Boucher said Monday after Anderson was voted Ottawa’s nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy, awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication.
Nicholle was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in October. Anderson, with the support of management and teammates, took an extended leave from the Senators in early December to be by his wife’s side while she underwent treatment in New York.