Photos: @NHLFlyers
It was a happy and heartwarming sight at Virtua Center Flyers SkateZone, the Philadelphia Flyers‘ training facility, in Voorhees, New Jersey, on Tuesday as forward Oskar Lindblom returned to the ice and skated with teammates six months after he was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, bone cancer.
The best tweet you’ll see today. 🧡🖤 #OskarStrong pic.twitter.com/bf3rpKqa5e
— x-Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) June 23, 2020
The 23-year-old Swede took part in the NHL’s Phase 2 of the Return to Play Plan, which allowed training facilities to open for voluntary workouts with a maximum of six players for all 24 teams in the extended playoff format. Lindblom is still receiving treatments at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
We’ve missed seeing this. #OskarStrong | @oskarlindblom pic.twitter.com/lL8Hlr5ewr
— x-Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) June 23, 2020
In an interview after skating, Lindblom said, “That’s the only thing I’m waiting for right now, to be done with my chemo and be back with the team and play some hockey. That would be unreal to get back to real life again, and have fun.”
Can’t wait. #OskarStrong pic.twitter.com/BE3HJIwzvT
— x-Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) June 23, 2020
The Flyers winger picked up 18 points (11 goals) in 30 games prior to his diagnosis in December. The team announced he would miss the rest of the 2019-20 season and will not be able to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs now that the league is getting back into action this summer.
“It is remarkable to think that with all the treatments that he has had he was able to go out there today and still show the skill and still have the stamina to skate for about 35-40 minutes,” Flyers’ general manager Chuck Fletcher said in a statement.
A positive sign of things to come. 🧡🖤 #OskarStrong pic.twitter.com/fEgXW4MSf7
— x-Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) June 23, 2020
Lindblom mentioned his treatments are “going great” and he does not have many left. “I’ll have it done soon. I can see the light in the tunnel right now, and I’m trying to enjoy my life after this. I can’t complain. People have it worse, and I’m happy to be where I am right now.”
Earlier this month, Lindblom was the Flyers’ nominee for this season’s Masterton Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.” The winner will be announced this summer.
By Della Young