GRANATO HAS CANCER
Takes leave from NBCSCH after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Tony Granato last appeared on NBC Sports Chicago on Dec. 5, joining Charlie Roumeliotis on the debut of “HawkCast,” the supplementary broadcast of the Blackhawks’ game against the Predators. Granato and Roumeliotis did a fine job keeping their conversation going while commenting on the game, giving the show promise for its remaining nine broadcasts this season.
But late Sunday, Granato announced on social media that he would be stepping away from his TV work to deal with a recent cancer diagnosis.
“I will be taking a temporary leave of absence from NBC Sports Chicago and the Blackhawks broadcasts, as well as NHL Network,” Granato, 59, posted on X, formerly Twitter. “I was recently diagnosed with a form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and will begin treatment this week.
“My family, faith and friends will be my strength to help me through my treatments. I appreciate all the love and support I have received already.”
In his first season with NBCSCH, Granato already has improved the Hawks’ pregame and postgame shows, providing the credibility they had been lacking. Granato, a Downers Grove native, played 13 seasons in the NHL (1988-2001) with the Rangers, Kings and Sharks. He also coached the Avalanche for three seasons (2002-04, 2008-09).
Granato had 248 goals and 244 assists in 773 NHL games. In 1998, he won the Bill Masterson Trophy, which goes to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. With the Avs, he went 104-78-33 (ties and overtime losses). His first team lost a first-round series that went seven games. His second team reached the second round, where it lost in six games.
Granato was an assistant coach with the Penguins and Red Wings before returning to his alma mater, Wisconsin, to take over the Badgers’ program. He was fired in March after seven seasons. Granato also coached the United States in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
The U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer comes from a hockey family. His brother, Don, is the Sabres’ coach, and his sister, Cammi, was the first woman inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.
Former Hawk John Scott figures to see more airtime in his first season with the network. The initial plan for “HawkCast” was to rotate contributors, so Scott figures to appear there, as well, along with regular commentator Caley Chelios.
The Hawks’ next appearance on NBCSCH is Thursday, when they visit the Kraken. NBCSCH’s next “HawkCast” is next Tuesday for the game against the Avalanche.