Former NHL and Team USA coach Tony Granato reveals he has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Tony Granato, a longtime NHL player and coach, announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer and is leaving his current job as a broadcaster.
In a statement on Twitter, Granato announced that he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and that he was “taking a temporary leave of absence from NBC Sports Chicago and Blackhawks broadcasts, as well as the NHL Network” as he began treatment this week.
“I wish I could address everyone individually, but I feel like this is the best way to share the news,” Granato wrote.
“My family, faith and friends will be my strength to help me heal. I appreciate all the love and support I have already received.
“As we head into the holiday season, treasure time spent with your loved ones and I will.”
Former NHL and Team USA coach Don Granato has been diagnosed with cancer.
In response to his announcement, several NHL teams wished Granato well on Twitter.
Chicago tweeted, “Your Blackhawks family is with you,” while the New York Rangers wrote, “The #NYR family is with you in your fight, Tony.”
The Buffalo Sabers wrote: “The entire Sabers family is thinking of you and your family. We are with you in this fight and send you strength.”
“We are in the fight with you,” the University of Wisconsin men’s hockey program tweeted.
Tony Granato is part of one of America’s most successful hockey families. His sister, Cammy 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 Sabers.
Tony was selected 120th overall in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft after graduating from high school in Illinois by the New York Rangers.
He finished 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 most goals scored by a rookie.
Granato (18) was drafted by the New York Rangers out of high school in his native Illinois.
Granato also played for the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks before retiring in 2001.
After his playing days ended, he went to the bench for a number of teams, most notably as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche. He also coached Detroit and Pittsburgh.
The following season he was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings and played a key role in their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 1993, where they lost to the Montreal Canadiens.
Granato suffered a serious head injury in a game against the Hartford Whalers in January 1996, causing bleeding in the left lobe of his brain.
Following surgery, he returned to the ice the following season with the San Jose Sharks, winning the Bill Masterton Trophy for his perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
He retired during the 2001 season and joined the Colorado Avalanche as an assistant coach for the 2002–03 season. Granato played 774 NHL games, scored 248 goals and 244 assists for 492 points and 1,425 penalty minutes.
Granato will serve two stints as the Avs’ head coach and also as an assistant.
During his first tenure, consisting of the 2002–03 and 2003–04 seasons, he recorded 72 wins, 33 losses and 17 draws.
Granato was replaced by Joel Quinneville, but he took over again when “Coach Q” went to Chicago. After posting an abysmal 32-45-5 record, Granato was fired again.
Granato returned to his alma mater and coached the Wisconsin Badgers for seven seasons.
While in Wisconsin, he will also coach Team USA at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
After being fired, Granato joined the coaching staffs of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings before returning to Wisconsin to coach his men’s team.
In seven seasons, the Badgers made one NCAA tournament under Granato, losing in the first round to Bemidji State.
While in Wisconsin, he coached the USA National Hockey Team during the 2018 Winter Olympics in Peyongchang, South Korea. There they finished 7th and he was not selected 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 2023–24 season. He went 105-129-16 during his seven-year career with the Badgers.