New Jersey Devils: Brian Boyle Returns To Practice
By Nick Villano
Brian Boyle was cleared to play for the New Jersey Devils on Sunday. He had his first full practice with the team since he was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.
New Jersey Devils fans got some of the best news they’ve heard all season on Sunday. Prior to the team’s practice, center Brian Boyle was cleared for full participation in hockey activities. That means he is able to play hockey at a high level, at least as far as his cancer diagnosis is concerned.
Boyle has been one of the big stories in hockey to start the season. Right before the preseason began, he was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. It was a story of hope, however, as the disease is treatable if caught early enough.
The #boylestrong hashtag was shared across the league, as everyone from former teammates and former teams to announcers and fans would share the love for the 32 year old. The Devils clearly got a special player in the offseason that will fit perfectly once he’s able to go.
Boyle has some time before he takes the ice when it counts. He’s still a few weeks away from getting his legs under him. He told reporters he appreciated the fan reaction (the practice was open to season ticket holders).
"“It was good to see the fans. It was a nice warm welcome for me. It felt nice. I tried to keep my head in the game and practice, but I heard them and it was much appreciated.”"
He says he feels fortunate for the support he’s gotten from the Devils and its fans. Honestly, the Devils are fortunate to have Boyle.
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To be honest, the team really needs him right now. The penalty kill has been bad for the past few games. It currently ranks 20th in the league at 78.6%, but was closer to the bottom of the league before a 5-for-5 performance against the San Jose Sharks. Boyle can play a shutdown role for the Devils on the second penalty kill line.
The Devils started this season at 6-2-0. This is much better than even the most optimistic Devils fan could have hoped for. That’s without Boyle and Travis Zajac in the lineup. Hopefully, it will only take Boyle twoish weeks to get back in game shape and ready to go. That’s probably optimistic, but the fact that he’s been skating this whole time will help him get up to speed. Either way, this shows that Boyle is healthy, and is ready to be a cancer survivor. His story will inspire others, just like his father’s.