Kelly Chase was one of the most feared players in the NHL during the 1990s, when he became a St. Louis Blues legend. For the past few years, Chase has been battling cancer. During Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Thursday, Chase gave a tearful update on his progress.
During his 458 NHL games, Kelly Chase recorded 53 points. However, he is best remembered for his 2,017 penalty minutes and for being one of the toughest players ever to play in the league. He never backed down from anyone and had numerous legendary fights over the course of his career.
READ MORE: Kelly Chase once challenged a referee to a bar fight
Kelly Chase cancer update
In 2023, Chase was diagnosed with leukemia and has been fighting the disease ever since. On Thursday night, during Hockey Fights Cancer Night in St. Louis, the legendary enforcer shared a heartfelt update on his condition.
”Different mentality”
Speaking to a large crowd, Chase opened up:
“As all of you know, I’ve been having a little battle here the last few years, fighting this cancer. Got punched in the nose a little bit a couple weeks ago. Found out I got it in my eyes, lost my sight for six days, lost my hearing. It gives you a different thought, a different mentality—it sets you back. But one thing that I have to live for is the support I get from all of you. So thank you so much. Thank you so much for all you do for the city of St. Louis,” Chase said, and he is now being praised for his words.
“To see him up there and hear the message he delivered, I got a little emotional listening to him—and how can you not? You’ve got to love the man,” former teammate and current Blues coach Jim Montgomery said afterward, according to The Hockey News.
You can watch the emotional clip below.
READ MORE: Brett Hull and Kelly Chase once took a cab driver to karaoke
