Hall of Famer and 14-year Montreal Canadiens defenseman Guy Lapointe has been diagnosed with oral cancer, the team announced on Wednesday.
Lapointe and his family asked the Canadiens to inform the hockey community of his diagnosis.
"Dr. Keith Richardson, the treating physician from the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), indicated that the cancer is located at the base of the tongue," the team statement reads. "Lapointe will begin his treatments in the coming weeks. This form of cancer has a high cure rate.
"The family wishes to thank the personnel at the MUHC as well as all hockey fans and asks for respect of their privacy as they face this challenge."
Lapointe's No. 5 jersey was retired by the Canadiens organization in 2014. He won six Stanley Cups with the Habs and holds the franchise record for most goals by a defenseman in a single season with 28 in 1974-75.
The Hall of Famer also played with the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins and can still be found around the rink, currently serving as an amateur scout for the Minnesota Wild.
#GottaSeeIt: Guy Lapointe's jersey retirement ceremony in its entirety. - http://t.co/4S1JxMc5xg
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 9, 2014