Shortly after the final loss to Finland in the World Cup last spring, NHL back Shea Theodore was called in a secluded room. Theodore took for granted that it was yet another unannounced doping test. Instead, the Golden Knights hill found out that during a previous doping test the hormone hCG was found.

hCG is found mainly in two cases, in pregnancy or in testicular cancer. When Theodore returned home after the championship, the nightmare was confirmed: He had suffered from testicular cancer.

“I was sent on ultrasound to check for tumors. And I can say that it was not like in the movies, there was no dramatic music, no art breaks. Now I was scared, ”writes Theodore in the Players Tribune.

Full recovery after successful surgery

Now, three months after the diagnosis, Theodore is cancer free. Fortunately, the tumor was discovered early and with a quick operation the chances of survival were great.

Theodore writes in his text about the tremendous support he received from the players of his club team, the Vegas Golden Knights.

Now Theodore is investing in spreading knowledge about cancer. He also announces that he will donate money to a charity for early detection of cancer for every point he makes in the coming season, a sum the Golden Knights will match.