Hartford Whalers Legend Kevin Dineen Reveals Cancer Diagnosis

CONNECTICUT — Hartford Whalers legend, former captain and two-time National Hockey League All-Star Kevin Dineen has revealed he is battling cancer.

Dineen, now 62, recently made the announcement on social media.

"This Thanksgiving feels a bit different," he said. "A few months ago, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It has put a lot into perspective, most of all how lucky I am to be surrounded by so many supportive family and friends."

Dineen was picked by the Whalers in the third round of the 1982 NHL Draft after playing his college hockey at the University of Denver. He played one more season in Denver before turning pro and his first game as a Whaler in December 1984.

Fans immediately came to his support.

"The Hartford Whalers Booster Club would like to wish good luck to one of the all-time greatest to ever wear the blue and green and one of our friends, Kevin Dineen, in his battle with cancer," the boosters said in a social media post.

In all, Dineen played seven seasons in Hartford. A trade then sent him to the Philadelphia Flyers at the beginning of the 1991-92 season.

Said the Flyers Alumni group, "All the best to alum Flyers captain Kevin Dineen. Dino has always fought the good fight. A family trait."

Dineen returned to the Whalers in December 1995 and played for the team in its final season in Hartford in 1996-97. He scored the final Whalers goal at the Hartford Civic Center from Geoff Sanderson and Andrew Cassels.

Dineen moved with the team to North Carolina and played for the Hurricanes for two seasons. He finished out his career with stints with the Ottawa Senators and the Columbus Blue Jackets before retiring in 2002.

Dineen was always one of the most popular figures to attend the Hartford Yard Goats annual Whalers Alumni Weekend at Dunkin' Park.

In 1,188 games played in the NHL, Dineen scored 355 goals and recorded 405 assists for 760 points, according to Hockey Reference.