Kyle Quincey opens up about his family's heartbreaking struggle.

Former National Hockey League defenseman Kyle Quincey didn't play in the 2019 - 2020 season, having played his final season the year prior in the Finnish Elite League, but the struggles he and his family have faced off the ice far outweigh any of the challenges he could have battled on the ice. In a recent article for the Denver Post, Avalanche insider Mike Chambers went into detail on the Quincey family's recent struggles, particularly those affecting the family's youngest child, son Axl Quincey.

The family learned on March 30th, before Axl had even turned one year old, that their son had been diagnosed with brain cancer. It is the kind of news that would devastate any parent, but thankfully thanks in part to Kyle's stellar career in the NHL the family has benefitted from an excellent support network. 

"In this time, the one positive is that you realize your support system — the love you have from the guys, the hockey world, your buddies, and even guys I never met," said Quincey as per the Denver Post. "And I can’t give enough thanks to Children’s Hospital in Colorado and where we’re at now."

Quincey made the statement just one day after Axl underwent a successful 22 1/2-hour brain surgery in Philadelphia. Quincey also revealed that former Flyers goaltender Brian Elliott had come to the family's aid in their time of need, offering up his home in Philadelphia to the family for the time being.

"(Elliott) offered up his house, which is amazing," said Quincey. "Guys are reaching out that I’ve never met in the hockey world, guys who I played against. Way too many guys to mention. So it’s pretty amazing, the hockey world. It’s hard to put into words. The love and compassion guys have for a guy they’ve never met — guys who I’ve battled with on the ice but they’re willing to do anything for us to help us out."

Kyle's wife, Rachel Quincey, remained focused on the positives when speaking to the media and went out of her way to thank all of those sending the family their thoughts and prayers, insisting that it was having a tangible positive impact on her and the family,

"We were fortunate that there is a treatment plan. It’s always a long road, and everything has to go according to plan, and you never know, but this is a type of tumor that has a treatment plan. You instantly have hope. You just kind of live on that hope. I surely didn’t understand how important it was when I would send my prayers or positive thoughts to someone that was going through a hard time, but when you’re on this side of it and see all that support coming at you … you start to feel that energy, that healing energy, and it truly makes a difference."

We would implore you to keep sending the Quincey's your positive vibes given the impact it is having, and we of course hope that young Axl will make a full recovery and go on to live a long and healthy life.