Per his request, it was announced via NHL.com on Wednesday that former Canadiens defenseman and Hall of Famer Guy Lapointe has been diagnosed with oral cancer.
It has been noted by Lapointe's treating physician Dr. Keith Richardson, from the McGill University Health Center (MUHC), that the cancer has been located at the base of the tongue.
Lapointe is set to undergo treatment in the coming weeks, and it has been documented by medical experts that this form of cancer has a high cure rate. Which gives some hope to an otherwise downtrodden situation.
CanadiensMTL: Guy Lapointe diagnosed with oral cancer. https://t.co/pDr2V6vLDL— Montréal Deportes (@Mtlsportifes) December 11, 2019
Following the release of this saddening information, the former Habs captain and NHL Hall of Famer was met with much support from fans. Lapointe addressed the outpouring of support via text message : “Your support and encouragement mean a lot to me. I will fight this head on.”
Guy Lapointe by text just now conveys his thanks to all sending their best wishes as he prepares to battle oral cancer: “Your support and encouragement mean a lot to me. I will fight this head on.” #GoHabsGo #stlblues #NHLBruins #Flames #MNWild @HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/onhGobCvUU— Dave Stubbs (@Dave_Stubbs) December 11, 2019
Lapointe played at the NHL level from 1968 to 1984, primarily for the Montreal Canadiens, but also spent time with the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins.
The former defensemen was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1993, after finishing a career in which he won 6 Stanley Cups. His number (#5) was retired by the Montreal Canadiens in 2014, in his honor.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to this NHL legend from all of us at Traderumours.com.
