
The Predators’ defenseman’s wife Ally Hague was just 26 when her life changed forever.
The hockey world often celebrates victories on the ice, but some of the most meaningful wins happen far from the rink. Nashville Predators defenseman Nic Hague and his wife Ally are now sharing one of those victories publicly, and the story behind it is both harrowing and inspiring.
Ally Hague was just 26 years old when she received a diagnosis of early-onset colorectal cancer. What followed was a grueling stretch of fear, uncertainty, and treatment that tested the couple in ways no game ever could.
Ally has since beaten the disease and is now a cancer survivor.
Rather than keeping the experience private, the Hagues have decided to use their platform to help others. They have teamed up with the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, particularly among younger people who may not think they are at risk.
Their message is straightforward: cancer does not discriminate based on age. Early detection can be the difference between life and death, and paying close attention to changes in your body matters more than most people realize.
Colorectal cancer diagnoses among younger adults have been rising in recent years, a trend that has alarmed medical professionals and prompted calls for earlier screening. Ally's story puts a deeply personal face on that broader public health concern.
For Nic, balancing the demands of an NHL career with the weight of his wife's diagnosis could not have been easy. The couple's willingness to step forward and share their experience publicly speaks to a level of courage that goes well beyond what is typically asked of professional athletes and their families.
The hockey community has rallied around the Hagues, with fans and supporters praising Ally's strength and the couple's commitment to making a difference for others facing similar battles.
The Hagues are now focused on spreading their message as widely as possible. Their partnership with Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center figures to keep this important conversation going, and their hope is that even one person hearing their story might be motivated to get checked before it is too late.
Get the latest news and updates directly in your inbox.
About the author
Writer
Christine has been a lifelong hockey fan ever since she fell for Mario Lemieux’ slick moves and Jaromir Jagr’s mullet. A professional writer, she joined Attraction Media in 2017. Since then, she has good reasons to watch all hockey games and can humiliate several men who can’t handle that a woman knows more about hockey than they ever will.
Read more