Brian Boyle: New Jersey Devils center gets late All-Star nod
As if the Brian Boyle story couldn’t get any more inspirational, the Devils center gets a late nod to play in his first All-Star game.
Brian Boyle’s Devils teammate Taylor Hall injured his hand and will not play in Sunday’s All-Star game and Boyle was selected as his replacement.
Hall has carried the young Devils to a top three spot in the Metro for most of this season. It is a shame that Hall is injured but Boyle is a worthy replacement.
This story just keeps on getting better and better.
Boyle is a veteran of the NHL. This is not a John Scott story. Boyle is a more worthy player.
Boyle was diagnosed with cancer less than a year ago. He missed the first few weeks of the Devils season but returned in November.
He is a huge part of the “Hockey Fights Cancer” movement. His contributions off the ice are All-Star worthy.
But this time, it is his play on the ice that allows him to now play on the 3-on-3 contest.
This season, Boyle has accounted for 17 points with 11 of those being goals.
More from Empire Writes Back
- Caesars New York Promo Code: Win $250 Bonus GUARANTEED on ANY Bet!
- Last Chance Caesars Promo: Claim $1,250 Bonus for ANY MLB Bet!
- Caesars New York Promo Code Gives TWO Chances to Win Betting on Your Yankees!
- PointsBet New York Promo: FIVE $100 Bonus Bets to Back the Yankees or Mets!
- Caesars NY Promo: $1,250 Bonus to Celebrate the Return of Judge!
The fact that he is less than a year off of having cancer is incredible.
Boyle is a journeyman in the NHL. He’s had stints with the Kings, Rangers, Lightning, and Maple Leafs before finally landing in Newark before this season.
The NHL All-Star game will be at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Boyle spent a portion of his career there.
No matter where he goes, Boyle gets a positive reaction from the fans for overcoming so much.
It is kind of perfect though that this one is in Tampa where the fans already know him. His introduction will be massive.
Taylor Hall has carried the Devils a lot this season and got the credit he deserves. But Boyle is a veteran leader on a young team.
His veteran poise, off-ice struggles, and performance this year are all noteworthy.
Although the circumstances of his All-Star nod are not ideal, Boyle deserves something nice to happen to him.
Next: Max Pacioretty could help the Rangers down the stretch
Boyle’s story and his strength to battle and get back to the game inspire the Devils nearly every game.
Congrats to Brian Boyle, the Devils organization, and anyone inspired by his journey!