The New Jersey Devils celebrated Hockey Fights Cancer Night Friday night against the Vancouver Canucks. It was an extra special night thanks to Brian Boyle.
Sports have a funny place in the landscape of our world. It seems like every single real-life situation can be emulated in sports. Some of the highest highs, like winning a championship, can stick with you for weeks, and actually change the outlook to your entire year. Some of the lowest lows, like losing a favorite player in a tragic accident, will make you cry real tears.
On Friday night, Brian Boyle gave New Jersey Devils fans one of the highest highs in a very long time. It was a special night for Boyle and Devils fans already. It was Hockey Fights Cancer Night. After Boyle was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia before the preseason, cancer meant something different to this team.
I fight for Brian Boyle & Dominque Crevier.
— Adam Henrique (@AdamHenrique) November 24, 2017
RT this tweet & I'll donate to my teammate @BriBrows22’s choice of charity.
Tonight the @NJDevils are hosting #HockeyFightsCancer Night at The Rock. Join the fight with us: https://t.co/oK0oKELqIv#HockeyFightsCancer | #BoyleStrong pic.twitter.com/aoZMyiMdoi
I fight for @BriBrows22.
— NJ Devil (@NJDevil00) November 24, 2017
Tonight the @NJDevils are hosting #HockeyFightsCancer Night at The Rock. Join the fight with us and learn more: https://t.co/eZdpqHlbDs #HockeyFightsCancer | #BoyleStrong https://t.co/w3MjNiApMP
Cancer affects everyone. Every person in this world knows someone dealing with this terrible disease. Now, the Devils have someone in their locker room dealing with it. Someone they see fight off the ice harder than he is fighting on the ice. This isn’t a normal situation. That’s why Boyle is such an inspiration.
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Think about this. A man who’s fighting for his life, on the night we remember what he’s fighting for, he scores a clutch goal. I mean, does it get any better than that?
Boyle will continue to fight. All signs point to him beating this disease. The motivation behind his fight is what gives the Devils extra motivation behind this season. Look at who everyone is fighting for. Almost every single player on the Devils chose Boyler as the person they fight for.
There are so many reasons why this Devils team is different than last year. The speed of the Devils makes this team fun to watch. The toughness helps them win close games. Cory Schneider is playing much better. However, the addition of Boyle means a lot. Bringing that veteran presence shows this young Devils team what to fight for. They fight for Boyle, and he fights for them.