Brian Boyle‘s season with the New Jersey Devils was one to remember, as he fought cancer while being a main contributor to their return to the playoffs. He was more than deserving of the Bill Masterton Trophy.
It’s September of the first season in a new city for Brian Boyle. He’s preparing for training camp after signing a two-year deal with the New Jersey Devils. This wasn’t too new for Boyle, who’s playing for his fifth franchise. He wanted to make a good impression, after falling off following a trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Then, his world was turned upside down. During his preseason physical, something didn’t seem right. That’s because it wasn’t, but the fact is that physical may have saved Brian Boyle’s life and career. The Devils doctors found early signs of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Luckily, because they found it so early Boyle could treat it with medication.
When it happened, Boyle immediately said he was focused on playing Opening Night. In a time when a player can be very selfish and nobody would mind, Boyle’s still thinking team first.
"I don’t like missing games. It’s just something we have to deal with, so hopefully the season can go on as normal and as regular as possible."
That’s the quote from way back in September. Fast forward a month, when Boyle is finally cleared to start skating. The Devils were on fire to start the season, so he was able to ease himself back with the team far from desperate.
He took the ice in his first NHL game of the season on November 1st. He scored his first goal five games later, and famously said that he cried after scoring. Then, he scored on Hockey Fights Cancer night because of course he did.
Boyle was full of huge plays you wouldn’t expect from him. He became the Devils only All Star when he was forced to replace Taylor Hall. Then, he came in second in the accuracy shooting competition, losing to Brock Boeser.
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He was even responsible for two major shootout goals. One came against the New York Rangers, with Nico Hischier still available to go, many scratched their head as to why Boyle was the pick. He then beat Henrik Lundqvist to give the Devils an important win. Move on to March, and Boyle’s shootout goal ends the 10 game winning streak of the Nashville Predators.
It was magic. This whole season was magic from Brian Boyle. This is one of the most motivating seasons in the history of sports. I understand the bias I hold, but adding in all the factors how can another season beat it?
Boyle deserves the Bill Masterton Trophy. He exemplified everything one wants in an NHL player. And he did it while fighting cancer. Congrats Brian, we are proud to have you on our team.