A few months after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, Dakota Joshua is back with his teammates at Vancouver Canucks practice.
At 28, Joshua was diagnosed with cancer after enjoying the best moments of his career in 2023-2024.
For the first time since his operation in September, the striker spoke to the media on Friday.
Joshua admitted that he himself took the initiative to see a doctor after feeling a mass on his testicle.
“I feel good, I feel better every day. Obviously the return to competition has been difficult, but everything is going well and I’m happy to be back on the pitch and training with the other players,” Joshua explained.
“I am very grateful and happy to be before you today. It’s hard to live with, but I’m grateful for how things have gone so far. »
Last year, Joshua had 32 points, including 18 goals, in 63 games and eight points in 13 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Just before this season’s training camp, Joshua released a statement revealing the cancer diagnosis.
Joshua’s return date remains unknown.
“I feel better every day,” Joshua said. “It’s still difficult to know when that moment will arrive, but I’m making progress and improving every day. »
Joshua signed a four-year, $13 million contract on June 27.
Joshua said he has had amazing support throughout the process and hopes he can help others by sharing his experience.
“People contacted me and told me about their experiences. It feels good and it’s nice to know that you’re not the only one who has gone through a difficult ordeal. »
The striker also gave a lot of credit to his family, who were there throughout the process. Above all, his loved ones are now looking forward to seeing him play on the ice in the NHL again.
