Breaking: Former Penguin announces he has cancer.

The Chicago Blackhawks helped a former Pittsburgh Penguin make a very sad announcement today.

An announcement from the Blackhawks official website has revealed that former Pittsburgh Penguins player and head coach Ed Olczyk has been diagnosed with a form of colon cancer. The announcement also revealed that Olczyk has had surgery to have a tumor removed from his body.

The former Penguins center has released the following statement regarding his health:

I have been diagnosed with a form of colon cancer and am currently undergoing treatment for the disease. I have been working with outstanding health care professionals and expect to be back in the broadcast booth after I complete my treatment. Having the support and encouragement from my family, the Chicago Blackhawks organization, NBC Sports and all my friends and fans means the world to me and will give me continued strength to beat this. My family and I appreciate privacy during this time as we focus our attention on my treatments.

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Olczyk is currently just 50 years of age and this has to be an incredibly trying time for both him and his family. We wish him a full and speedy recovery.

Image courtesy Peter Diana Pittsburgh Post-Gazette