Brian Boyle scored one of the most memorable goals of his career on Thursday night, and the hockey world was in his corner celebrating right there with him.
The Devils centre notched his first goal of the season, and the 32 year-old’s reaction was as if he scored his first career NHL goal.
After signing with the Devils in the offseason after splitting last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lighting, Boyle was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a treatable form of bone-marrow cancer back in September.
The eleven year veteran was determined to play this season and made his season debut on November 1st, and had yet to find the back of the net.
That all changed on Thursday night. With the game scoreless, Boyle picked up his own rebound and buried one past Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot.
His celebration and post-goal reactions were heart-warming.
During an intermission interview, Boyle, understandably got very emotional and admitted he shed a tear out on the ice after threading the mesh.
November is the NHL’s Hockey Fights cancer campaign, and it’s only fitting that Boyle is conquering his health issues. Based on all the excitement and overflow of emotion Boyle showcased, you can bet that this goal will be one of the most memorable moments of his career.
Big ups to Boyle on the goal. As hard as he works out on the ice, the battling he did away from it in battling back from the disease is what we should all commend him for.
(h/t New Jersey Devils)
