(Vancouver) Vancouver Canucks player Dakota Joshua announced Tuesday he will miss the start of training camp after undergoing surgery to treat testicular cancer.
Joshua said in a statement posted on social media by the Canucks that he felt a lump on one of his testicles this summer and subsequently underwent surgery to remove the tumour.
The 28-year-old American wants to return to the game “as soon as possible” and is “working hard every day” to join his teammates.
Joshua revealed the last few weeks have been “extremely difficult” and encouraged men to get regular checks for testicular cancer.
The 6-foot-3, 206-pounder set career highs with 18 goals and 14 assists in 63 games last season with the Canucks. He signed a new four-year, $13 million contract in late June.
Canucks camp will begin Thursday in Penticton, British Columbia.