New York Rangers’ community stands with Brian Boyle

It was announced Tuesday that former New York Rangers center Brian Boyle has been diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow.

The New Jersey Devils acquired Boyle, 32, this offseason. During a physical prior to traning camp, team doctors recognized an issue with his blood work. After this, Boyle missed practice due to what was then described as a “personal issue.”

The news then broke Tuesday evening.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is described as being “largely treatable” through medication, and it seems that it in Boyle’s case, doctors caught it early.

In fact, former New York Islander, Jason Blake, was diagnosed with CML in 2007. Blake would return to play six  seasons in the NHL after his diagnosis.

All of this news bodes well for Boyle.

In an interview with the New York Post, he said that he is feeling “as close to normal as you can feel” despite the diagnosis, and that most of all that he is looking forward to playing again.

“We have a good plan of attack here, and I’m looking forward to getting on the ice and playing, to be honest,” Boyle said. “When that happens, I don’t know. But my mindset is Oct. 7 [opening night]… I don’t like missing games.”

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Some background

Brian Boyle has a big family. He grew up as a part of a large Irish Catholic family, and is number seven out of 13 children. While he was growing up, he witnessed cancer first-hand.

His father battled and beat cancer not just once, but twice.

As a result, Boyle has been a strong supporter of the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative that the NHL is a part of, in large part due to and inspired by his father.

Prior to the NHL, Boyle attended Boston College and made appearances in three Frozen Four tournaments in four seasons with the Eagles. He was later drafted 26th overall in the 2003 Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings.

Now, he’s been a part of NHL for nearly a decade.

Boyle played five of his nine seasons with the New York Rangers. His gritty, physical presence balanced with good hands and good sense made him dangerous in front of the net.

His dedication to the game, his grinding playing style and his spirit on the ice made him a fan favorite during his time in New York.

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#BoyleStrong

One of the best things about the NHL is the support they offer to their community — especially their players — in times of hardship.

Since the announcement was made no Tuesday, teams and teammates throughout the league have sent Boyle messages and best wishes.

Here are just a few:

All of this, Boyle said, has helped.

“We’ve had a tremendous outpouring of prayers, and if there’s anything I can ask it’s that that continues,” he said.

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New York Rangers fans and the staff here at Blue Line Station are with you, Boyler.

We wish you all the best in your recovery.