Rensselaer forward Kirk MacDonald has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, it was announced Wednesday in a statement by MacDonald and the school.
“I was informed yesterday that I have been diagnosed with testicular cancer,” said MacDonald in a statement. “Obviously, this is a tremendous shock for my family and me. However, I will begin treatment immediately and fight as hard as I possibly can. I fully expect to return to the ice in time for my senior season. In the meantime, I politely request that the media respect the privacy of my family and me, as well as my teammates at Rensselaer.”
“Our thoughts are certainly with Kirk and his family,” said Rensselaer Athletics Director Ken Ralph. “He is a tremendous competitor who always puts forth every effort necessary to succeed. Rensselaer will assist the MacDonalds in every way possible as they endure this fight.”
During the 2004-05 season, as a junior MacDonald, 21, led the Engineers in goals (16) and points (36) and was second on the team in assists (20). He was among the leaders in the nation in power-play goals with eight and game-winning goals with four.
In 104 career games with the Engineers, MacDonald, a management major from Victoria, B.C., has 35 goals and 41 assists for 76 points.
