Longtime NHL veteran turned coach, Kevin Dineen, has disclosed that he has received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Dineen, aged 62, shared the news on social media recently, stating that this Thanksgiving holds a different meaning for him. The Quebec City native expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from his family and friends during this challenging time.
Known for his tenacity as a winger throughout his playing career, Dineen participated in more than 1,200 games, both regular-season and playoff, for various teams such as the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators, and Columbus Blue Jackets from 1984 to 2002. Transitioning into coaching after a brief period in scouting and management, he spent the following two decades mentoring hockey teams, notably serving as the head coach for the Florida Panthers from 2011 to 2013. In a surprising move, he led Canada’s women’s team to a gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics after being a last-minute choice for the position.
Dineen’s coaching accomplishments include contributing to the Chicago Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup victory in 2015 as an assistant coach. More recently, he has been at the helm of the San Diego Gulls and the Utica Comets in the American Hockey League. Emphasizing the importance of unity in facing challenges, Dineen shared, “I am sharing my news because hockey has taught me that no battle is fought alone. To all those confronting adversity, whether it be cancer or any other struggle, remember that you are not in it by yourself.”