Hockey player gets awful news after routine tests in preparation for new season

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TJ Tucker
August 9, 2024 (2:58 PM)

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Tobias Eder, a German pro hockey player with the Berlin Polar Bears, received terrible news after routine testing for the upcoming 2024-24 DEL season

NHL training camps for the 2024-25 season won't get underway until September. However, several other leagues around the world are already playing preseason games to get their rosters in shape for the upcoming grind. That preparation includes routine medical tests to ensure players are physically and mentally able to participate in what will be a months long grind. For one player, those tests revealed some awful news.

Tobias Eder is a 26-year-old German player who has spent his entire pro career playing in his home country's top pro league, Deutsche Eishockey Liga, or DEL. Eder joined the Berlin Polar Bears for the first time last season, and ended up winning the DEL championship with his new teammates. He also played for Germany at the 2024 IIHF World Championship in the spring.

After a summer break, Eder joined with teammates with the Polar Bears once again to prepare for 2024-25. Unfortunately for Eder, he won't be joining them. In a news release, the team said a malignant tumor was found during testing, and Eder is "seriously ill."

"Tobias Eder, striker for the Eisbären Berlin, is seriously ill. During the sports medical examinations prior to the new season, the forward was diagnosed with a malignant tumor, which requires immediate treatment. Eder has already begun medical treatment.

Tobias Eder and Eisbären Berlin ask for your understanding that no further comments will be made beyond the information provided. Please refrain from asking any further questions."

The news must have came as a shock for everyone involved. It sounds as though Eder had no idea anything was wrong. Hopefully he can pull through, and perhaps even get back to the sport of hockey at some point. Saku Koivu pulled off a miraculous comeback to the Montreal Canadiens 24 years ago after battling Burkitt lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.

Eder will certainly have the hockey community in Germany and across the globe rooting for him. Stick taps for Eder and his entire family!