From the Vegas Golden Knights improbable start to Erik Karlsson's incredible play since returning from major ankle surgery, the start to the 2017-18 NHL season is already filled with feel-good stories. Yet, Brian Boyle returning to the ice with his New Jersey Devils teammates Sunday for the first time since he was diagnosed with a treatable form of leukemia at the start of training camp is as good as it gets.
You see, in a sport that is full of really good people, Boyle is in the upper echelon of that group. Polite, funny, caring, courageous, down to earth, a man of deep faith and character, Boyle is not only an important on-ice contributor, but an incredibly decent human being and fantastic teammate. His response to being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia was inspiring and graceful all at once.
🏒 @BriBrows22 on the #NJDevils: “The guys have been unbelievable. Players, coaches, Ray. Everyone’s been phenomenal. I’m very fortunate.” pic.twitter.com/DxgInNngtj
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) October 22, 2017
So when he hit the ice Sunday after being cleared by doctors, it was only fitting that it occurred at a practice open to fans, leading to the rare -- yet well deserved -- ovation during a team workout.
"That was different," Boyle said afterwards, before adding, "There were moments where I was a little embarrassed."
Typical Boyle. Never one to seek the spotlight, whether as a player or someone fighting a rare form of cancer.
"I heard (the fans), and it was appreciated," said Boyle.
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Since word came out that Boyle had CML, those who know him responded publicly and privately, an outpouring of love and concern from former and current teammates, management members and coaches, fans, and media. Yet all Boyle wants is to melt into the fabric of his new team -- he signed with the Devils as a free agent his summer -- and just be one of the guys, something he's done extremely well in previous stops with the Kings, Rangers, Lightning and Maple Leafs.
In fact, when he spoke with reporters after the original announcement in September, Boyle said that all he wanted was to get back to work as soon as possible, "help the Devils win some hockey games" and be judged fairly for his play on the ice.
"If I suck one night, it's because I sucked, not because of any other reason," Boyle said of his desire not to be treated any differently when he does return to the Devils lineup.
When Boyle actually can return to game action is still not clear. The surprising Devils have six wins in their first eight games without the veteran center in the lineup, so they are well into the season. Boyle has much catching up to do.
"We brought him in here to be a real important part of our team on and off the ice," Devils coach John Hynes told reporters Sunday. " "Even though he hasn't been around a lot, you can see the respect that he has in the room with the players, the guy that he is. And we're a couple of weeks in, so it's good to be able to get a guy like that back. It rejuvenates your team and helps them come together a little bit."
🏒 @BriBrows22’s right back where he belongs! It’s great to see Boyler skating with his teammates again. #BoyleStrong pic.twitter.com/5bregLpqXm
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) October 22, 2017
The Devils do not play again until Friday so that gives Boyle plenty of time to practice with the team and for Hynes to make decisions on how close Boyle might be to a return. Do not expect Hynes and the organization to rush him back, though.
"I think it's going to depend how this week goes for him and then really how he feels," offered Hynes. "He's a veteran player. I think he knows what he needs to be effective out there."
The first step took place Sunday. Brian Boyle is on the road back. And you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone in the NHL who does not believe this is a great thing.