Anaheim Ducks assistant coach Mike Stothers diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma

Anaheim Ducks fans and the NHL community were emotional after learning that Ducks assistant coach Mike Stothers has been diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma. This is a malignant tumor associated with skin cancer.

Stothers, who is 61 years old, discovered the tumor in February when he went to the doctor after noticing a growth near the area of his groin. Stothers is currently receiving medical care at UCI Health and is scheduled to have surgery in the upcoming weeks.

However, Mike Stothers has stated that he has every intention of carrying on with his work and will not take a break while undergoing treatment. In addition to raising people's awareness about the disease, Stothers spread an informative message:

"If I could share one simple message to all: Listen to your body. If you notice something unusual, or don't feel like yourself, consult a doctor immediately. Please do not wait. It could be the best decision you ever make."

All the NHL community and hockey fans around the world are praying for Mike Stothers' health.

Anaheim Ducks owners voice support for Mike Stothers

Stothers has received well wishes from the entire NHL community. The Ducks' owners, Henry and Susan, expressed their support for Mike during this difficult time in his life, stating that he is one of the toughest guys in hockey:

"Mike is one of the toughest and finest people in hockey. The Ducks organization and entire NHL community are firmly behind him. We also support and appreciate Mike’s message. For him to take the time to try and help others while dealing with his own battle says a lot about who he is."

Mike Stothers is a former NHL player who played for the Philadelphia Flyers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Mike appeared in 30 NHL games during his career. Stothers went into coaching shortly after hanging up his skates, starting as an assistant head coach for the Hershey Bears.

He was named assistant head coach of the Anaheim Ducks in 2021, and is currently in his second season under head coach Dallas Eakins. Stothers has served as the head coach of various minor-league hockey teams in addition to being an assistant head coach.