Brian Boyle speaks with fellow survivor at NHL All-Star Game
By Matt Morrow
New Jersey Devils forward Brian Boyle met with with a fellow cancer survivor and huge Ducks Fan during the Skills Competition portion of the NHL All-Star Weekend.
Brian Boyle of the New Jersey Devils was diagnosed with Leukemia in September, and was eventually able to return to the ice. He was offered a spot in the All-Star festivities after his teammate Taylor Hall went down with an injury and wasn’t able to participate.
Boyle decided to attend, taking full advantage of the opportunity and finding a way to make a long lasting impact on someone who is going through something very similar to him.
Each season, the Anaheim Ducks open up an additional spot on their roster “for a fan who exhibits great perseverance, character, courage, and inspiration” in a campaign called the 21st Duck.
This year’s 21st duck is 17-year-old Katie Hawley. She was able to go on the ice with the players on opening night and in the process likely build a lifelong friendship with her favorite player, Rickard Rakell. You can learn more about Katie and her behind the scenes experience with the Ducks below:
Hawley was also given the opportunity to attend the All-Star weekend with Rakell. She was shown on TV during the skills competition, sitting next to Rakell on the ice, and chatting it up with current players while enjoying the festivities.
When Boyle heard her story, he had to meet her. Check out this powerful moment:
21st Duck, Katie Hawley, had the chance to interview @BriBrows22 before the #NHLAllStar Skills Competition and trade inspirational stories with each other. #BoyleStrong💪@NJDevils | @AnaheimDucks | @NHL pic.twitter.com/MCSjOTtlOg
— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) January 28, 2018
You can see how inspired Boyle was through her, and something tells me this is not the last time that they’ll be in touch.
Hawley is a two-time cancer survivor, and was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in 2016. She revealed during her interview that she has surgery for her Thyroid cancer in just a few weeks, but seemed more upbeat and positive than ever.
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Working with The American Cancer Society and Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, among others, Hawley is an inspiration to others, reminding anyone who hears her story to never give up!