Vegas Golden Knights player Shea Theodore has revealed that he was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer.
An emotional letter by Theodore was published Thursday morning in The Players' Tribune.
Theodore reveals in the letter that he failed a drug test while playing for Team Canada at the world championships in May. That led to him being diagnosed with cancer.
He underwent surgery shortly after and is expected to make a full recovery.
Theodore talks in his letter about being shocked and confused after being told about the cancer. He says that his whole life changed in a blink of an eye. He also describes the difficulty telling his family and teammates and their families.
The hockey player ends by telling other young men not to be embarrassed if they experience any symptoms that could indicate a similar problem.
Theodore, who is from Canada, was rated as a top prospect in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He signed a 3-year, entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks. Theodore was traded by the Ducks to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017. Prior to the 2018-19 season, Theodore signed a 7-year contract with the Knights.
