After undergoing a routine physical exam in December, Colgate sophomore defenseman Spiro Goulakos was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer originating from white blood cells in the lymph nodes.
The school announced the news Tuesday, stating that Goulakos has left school and the team to begin chemotherapy in his native Montreal. He played last weekend against Brown and Yale, but is now done for the season.
“This news came as quite a shock to everyone,” Colgate coach Don Vaughan said in a statement. “Spiro is such an integral part of our team and adored by his teammates. This past week has been a very emotional time for our student-athletes.
“We ask as Spiro begins his treatments that people hold him and his family in their thoughts and prayers. He is a fierce competitor and his teammates and coaches know he will bring that attitude to this fight. We are confident that there will be a positive outcome and we look forward to Spiro’s return to the team in the near future.”
During his physical over the holiday break, one of the lab tests showed abnormal results and additional tests revealed that Goulakos had a large area of swelling in his chest. Goulakos also underwent tests with Colgate team physician Dr. Merrill Miller and those results showed a likely lymphoma in Goulakos’ chest.
Goulakos is expected to undergo aggressive IV chemotherapy over the next 4-6 months.
“He has excellent doctors and he should do well,” Miller added. “Our anticipation is he will recover and be back to full academics and athletics at Colgate this fall.”
Goulakos had six goals and nine assists for 15 points this season while also playing the point on the power play.
