Oilers GM Stan Bowman joined Hockey Night in Canada's After Hours this week, and opened up on some personal aspects including a major health scare that fans may not have known about.
In the same interview, Bowman also guaranteed that the Oilers would be able to re-sign Connor McDavid, and a deal could get done "on time" around July 1st.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman details major health scare in new interview
Bowman spoke about being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma back in 2007, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
After treatment Bowman's cancer went into remission, but then came back with a vengeance a year later which forced a stem cell transplant. The Oilers GM recalled that period of his time as a near death experience that changed his outlook on life.
I think that's really the first thing that changed my life. It's such a cliche you hear that you take things for granted, but it's true.For people who are listening who have gone through that, it's tough. They kind of bring you to the brink of death and they really bombard you with high levels of chemo, and you don't know if you're going to make it. There were some dark days there.
When you eventually come out of that, you have a different outlook on life. You probably don't get caught up in the BS as much.
- Stan Bowman
It's incredible to hear Bowman speak so candidly on such a health scare, and incredibly fortunate that he's happy and healthy today. Such an experience surely would change anyone's life forever.
Stan Bowman opens up on personal experiences in interview
Another story Bowman told on After Hours, this one which a much lighter story, was the hilarious tale of his middle name. The son of NHL great coach Scotty Bowman, Stan believed his middle name was "Cup" for many years of his life.
It was a little joke amongst my family. They would say, like, ask him what is middle name is. I was told my name was Stanley Cup, so I would probably say that.One day we had to go do something for government documentation, they asked us his name, and my dad said Stanley Glynn. I'm like, no it's not. He's like, actually it is. Your name's not Cup.
Honestly, as the song of a champion head coach, a middle name of Cup wouldn't be too out there - but his name Stanley is totally a nod anyway to the best trophy in sports.
It's great to hear a little more of the personal side to the Oilers GM, and the inner workings of the man running the team.
