TAMPA, Fla — Brian Boyle was the last player to arrive for the NHL's All-Star Weekend, but none was welcomed more warmly than the respected and popular Devils center who recently battled chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
A late sub for injured teammate Taylor Hall, Boyle touched down in this Florida city late Saturday morning, missing some festivities the previous evening and the morning's get together with media because he planned to be with his 3-year-old son who will undergo a procedure this weekend in Boston after having his own cancer scare in the fall, shortly after Boyle was diagnosed with CML.
"It's been a range of emotions," Boyle said before the Skills Competition at Amalie Arena on Saturday night. "I got the (All-Star invite) news and he was already in the hospital for pre-op stuff. It was a decision made with my wife's urging. She knows I've worked my whole life to play this game ... and he's going to be fine. I am just very thankful to be here. I can't believe this is my life."
What a moment.
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) January 28, 2018
Former lightning player Brian Boyle, who was diagnosed with cancer this year, received a standing ovation at the NHL All-Star festivities in Tampa. pic.twitter.com/UAAJPCCrOa
Both father and son still deal with their health issues — medicine to combat the CML for Boyle, surgeries for the nerve disorder his son combats — but both are OK. And Boyle's fall filled with life-and-death worries turned into a winter featuring the first All-Star Game appearance of his 10-year NHL career. That the game is played here in Tampa, where Boyle spent the better part of three seasons, just adds to the narrative.
It really is the kind of story movies are made of.
"It's crazy how it's worked out," Boyle said, shaking his head. "It's something I am going to try and absorb as much as I can, I'm trying to soak it all in.
"I'm 33 years old and I get to go put my skates on and have fun. It's unbelievable. I live a fairytale life."
MORE: Brian Boyle and his story are what make sports great
As his former coach Jon Cooper — who is the bench boss this weekend for the Atlantic Division All-Stars — predicted earlier in the day, Boyle received just about the loudest ovation when introduced to the crowd prior to the skills competition. Then Boyle went out and nearly won the Accuracy Shooting competition, bested by Canucks rookie Brock Boeser in the end.
"It was emotional. it's a ton of fun to be here," shared Boyle after the event. "This is truly something special."
Not bad, @BriBrows22 . Not bad. pic.twitter.com/RH7gipIDHx
— Sporting News Canada (@sportingnewsca) January 28, 2018
As has been the case all season since word came out that Boyle had CML, the extremely likable veteran received plenty of support Saturday from those who know him best in the NHL.
"What Boyler has done this year is very impressive, to elevate his game and play at this level," Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist — a former Boyle teammate — told Sporting News. "I am really happy for him as a friend and impressed as an opponent the way he's been dealing with everything. For him to be here, with all that he's been through, is impressive."
Steven Stamkos on Brian Boyle: “I almost got emotional when they announced his name.” #TBLightning pic.twitter.com/cnvvHSD93a
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) January 28, 2018
Added Cooper, "It’s no secret that a fan I am of Brian Boyle, what he did for us, our team, our organization. All the troubles he’s gone through and is going through health-wise. … He'll be as popular here as Stammer, Kuch, Vasilievskiy.
"He puts other people ahead of himself. Great teammate. When he’s on the ice, he just does all these little things that helps teams win. I don't think it’s a secret that every team he plays for somehow goes far in the playoffs. It happens once, maybe it's a fluke. But if it continues to happen, there's got to be some kind of a tie there. He's a big part of that.”
Boyle tossed some bouquets to others, as well, on Saturday, calling Cooper "a great man, a great example" and noting that Hall "has been our All-Star ... I will try and represent him well."
Though his wife, son and daughter are in Boston, Boyle's father flew down with him to Tampa, and one of his brothers who attends a nearby college in Florida also is sharing in the special weekend.
His thoughts are with those not present in Tampa, but Boyle is also enjoying his moment, which includes the NHL All-Star Game itself on Sunday afternoon.
"I love this game. It was my first love."