Jacob Markstrom makes a heartbreaking announcement on Sunday.

A very sad day for the young goaltender.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 4 years ago
Jacob Markstrom makes a heartbreaking announcement on Sunday.
David Kirouac/CSM/Zuma

This is an announcement that unfortunately far too many of us can relate to and as a result it is an announcement that will likely stir up painful memories for many of you, all the while giving you a feeling of tremendous empathy for Vancouver Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

Markstrom took to social media on Sunday and made a tragic announcement when he announced that he had lost his father to a long battle with cancer. Based on the message published by Markstrom it appears as though his father had been fighting the disease for the past 6 months but unfortunately could not keep the fight up any longer and passed away recently. Markstrom published a message along with a picture of his late father, and although we have chosen to edit some colorful language the rest of the message comes to you unedited and in full.

From Markstrom:

Dad you have taught me everything I know, I couldn’t ask for a better dad, friend and role model! I know you will always look down on us! The strength you have shown the last 6 months is unbelievable! I love you and Rest In Peace. F*** Cancer

Although Markstrom would want all the attention to be on his father today, I believe it is important to highlight what an amazing young man was raised by the man we have lost. This has no doubt been the most difficult period of Markstrom's young life, the Canucks goalie is just 29 years old after all, but in spite of the personal tragedy that he has been experiencing behind the scenes he has stuck by his team through it all. In fact Markstrom was in goal today when his Canucks faced off against the New Jersey Devils and he gave an outstanding performance during that contest, one that his father would surely be proud of. 

Markstrom stopped 25 of the 27 shots he faced this evening, recording a .926 save percentage in spite of the fact that his Canucks were unable to pick up the victory. Markstrom was no doubt inspired by the strength his father has shown while battling this terrible disease that has claimed so many loved ones from us all in the past, and I hope that he can continue to carry on his father's legacy long after he's gone. 

The announcement today likely comes as a result of Sunday being father's day in Sweden, Markstorm's home country, and may also me why he took a personal leave of absence last month. 


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