Longtime NHL player and coach Tony Granato has announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer and is stepping down from his current job as a broadcaster.
In a statement on Twitter, Granato announced his diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and that he would be “taking a temporary leave of absence from NBC Sports Chicago and the Blackhawks broadcasts, as well as from NHL Network” while he begins treatment this week.
“I wish I could reach everyone individually, but I felt like this was the best way to share the news,” Granato wrote.
'My family, faith and friends will be my strength to help me through my treatments. I appreciate all the love and support I have already received.
“Now that it's the holiday season, cherish the time with your loved ones, as I know I will.”
Former NHL and Team USA coach Don Granato has been diagnosed with cancer
Multiple NHL teams wished Granato well on Twitter in response to his statement.
Chicago tweeted, “Your Blackhawks family is with you,” while the New York Rangers said, “The #NYR family is with you in your fight, Tony.”
The Buffalo Sabers wrote: “The entire Sabers family is keeping you and your family in our thoughts. We support you in this fight and send you strength.'
“We stand with you in the fight,” the University of Wisconsin men's hockey program account tweeted.
Tony Granato is part of one of America's most talented hockey families. His sister, Cammi Granato, is an Olympic gold medalist and one of the greatest women's hockey players this country has ever produced. His younger brother, Don Granato, is currently the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres.
Tony was drafted 120th overall in the 1982 NHL Entry draft out of high school in Illinois by the New York Rangers.
He ultimately played his college career at the University of Wisconsin before eventually joining the Blueshirts.
In his first season in New York, the 1988–89 season, he led the team in goals with 36 – which remains the team record for goals scored by a rookie.
Granato, 18, was drafted by the New York Rangers out of high school in his native Illinois
Granato would also play for the LA Kings and San Jose Sharks before retiring in 2001
After his playing days were over, he would go behind the bench for a number of teams, most notably as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche. He would also coach for Detroit and Pittsburgh.
The following season, he was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings and was a key contributor to their appearance in the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals, where they would lose to the Montreal Canadiens.
Granato suffered a serious head injury during a January 1996 game against the Hartford Whalers, which led to a hemorrhage in the left lobe of the brain.
After undergoing surgery, he returned to the ice the following season with the San Jose Sharks and won the Bill Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
He retired in the 2001 season and joined the Colorado Avalanche as an assistant coach in the 2002–03 season. Granato logged 774 NHL games, scoring 248 goals and 244 assists for 492 points and 1,425 penalty minutes.
Granato would have two separate terms as head coach of the Avs – with an assistant role as well.
He recorded 72 wins, 33 losses and 17 draws during his first term, consisting of the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 seasons.
Granato was replaced by Joel Quinneville, but took over again when 'Coach Q' left for Chicago. After a terrible record of 32-45-5, Granato was fired again.
Granato returned to his alma mater and coached the Wisconsin Badgers for seven seasons
While at Wisconsin, he would also coach the United States in the 2018 Winter Olympics
After his dismissal, Granato would serve on the coaching staffs of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings before returning to Wisconsin to coach their men's team.
Over the course of seven seasons, the Badgers made one NCAA Tournament appearance under Granato, losing to Bemidji State in the first round.
While at Wisconsin, he coached the United States National Hockey Team at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Peyongchang, South Korea. They finished 7th there and he was not chosen to return to the team for the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
In March 2023, it was announced that Granato would not return to his position for the 2023–2024 campaign. He went 105-129-16 over the course of his seven career with the Badgers.