Hockey player records emotional shutout win after wife is diagnosed with cancer
Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson took a leave of absence from the team last week after his 35-year-old wife was diagnosed with cancer.
But when backup Andrew Hammond went down with an injury, Anderson was called to return to play in the game against the Edmonton Oilers.
Not only did he start -- he recorded a shutout win in his first game back. The heartbreaking emotions that followed were matched by heartwarming acts of support from the hockey community.
Hopefully not lost on a big night in sports: Craig Anderson, with a heavy heart, just spun a 37-save shutout against the Oilers.
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) October 31, 2016
Craig Anderson, man. So many emotions. pic.twitter.com/ptKhVc7GMC
— Callum Fraser (@CallumFraser18) October 31, 2016
"I can only imagine what's running through his head," Oilers Marc Methot said. The way he came out and performed, that's a pretty brave thing do."
Both coaching staffs wore purple ties in honor of "Hockey Fights Cancer," and Oilers goalie Cam Talbot gave Anderson a round of applause when he was announced the starter.
thank you - so classy. Our hockey family is so incredible. #hockeyfightscancer
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 31, 2016
"Our whole team feels for him," Oilers Jordan Eberle said. "It's pretty amazing that he got out there today and posted a shutout. Congrats to him for sure."
