As the Ducks look to take down the Vancouver Canucks tonight to finish off a lengthy road trip, Ryan Kesler will have some extra inspiration.
Six-year-old Nevan Coburn of Vancouver has considered Kesler his favorite hockey player ever since Kesler was with the Canucks. But there is more to Nevan than meets the eye.
At just 20 months old, Nevan was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called germ cell teratoma. He underwent a number of chemotherapy sessions over the next several months, followed by intense follow-up appointments and blood work. He is now cancer-free, crediting the sport he loves, and especially Kesler, as motivation.