Hingham Native, New Jersey Devil Brian Boyle Diagnosed With Leukemia

A Hingham native now playing in for the New Jersey Devils has been diagnosed with leukemia.

Brian Boyle, who grew up in Hingham and played high school hockey at St. Sebastian in Needham recently announced that he has chronic myeloid leukemia. He told reporters Tuesday that he has a good plan and looks forward to playing hockey again. While he said he did not know when that will be, he is focused on being ready for the team's Oct. 7 regular season opener against the Colorado Avalanche.

Dr. Michael Farber said Boyle is in the early stages of the disease and is largely treatable with medication.

The Hingham native said increased fatigue was the only indication something was wrong, but he initially attributed that to a trade from Tampa Bay to Toronto and being the father of an infant and 2-year-old.

Boyle signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal with the Devils on July 1. Last season, he had 13 goals and 12 assists in 75 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs.

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