Photo: @NHLFlyers
On Thursday, Oskar Lindblom rang the bell after successfully completing his final chemotherapy treatment at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The Flyers forward was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, bone cancer in December.
The Flyers tweeted a video of Lindblom and his girlfriend walking down the hallway and ringing the bell. He thanked all of his nurses, who wore “Oskar Strong” and “Fight With Oskar” shirts, and gave the group a signed sweater before taking a photo with them.
Thank you to all the doctors and nurses at @PennMedicine for your extraordinary work, care, and help in making this incredible day possible. 🧡🖤💜 #OskarStrong pic.twitter.com/JO3PmKz8JU
— x-Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) July 2, 2020
“It feels awesome to be done and can’t wait to get back to a normal life again,” the 23-year-old Swede said afterward.
From family, to friends, to fans…I can’t even explain how much they meant to me.” – @oskarlindblom@PennCancer | #OskarStrong pic.twitter.com/S6RLeSnEVa
— x-Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) July 2, 2020
On June 23, Lindblom returned to the ice and skated with teammates coinciding with 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.
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.”
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.
Last 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.
“From family to friends, to fans…I can’t even explain how much they meant to me.”
On behalf of everyone at NoVa Caps, congratulations Oskar and we are wishing you the very best!
By Della Young
