One of the Bombers’ heart and soul players has been sidelined due to a cancer scare.
Family members of Bomber forward Matt Egan and the team each announced over the holiday break that the 20-year-old had been diagnosed with cancer and had undergone surgery to address the illness. He is expected to make a full recovery from the illness and potentially return to play later this season.
“Matt has already been seeking treatment and with it being caught in its early stages, Matt is expected to make a full recovery,” reads a statement released by the Bombers Dec. 27.
“Matt and the Egan family ask for privacy at this time. The team is rallying behind Matt and we are doing everything we can to support him in any way possible. We ask that you pray for Matt so he gets the right treatment and makes a safe recovery. Matt is not only a great player on the ice but an amazing individual who has done nothing but make a positive impact on our community. We hope to see him back on the ice soon.”
“As many of you already know, Matt was diagnosed with cancer over the holiday break.
Today, surgery has been completed and Matt is working on his way to a full recovery,” reads an online statement from Egan’s father Jeff, shared Dec. 29.
“We would like to acknowledge all the well wishes, private messages, texts, phone calls and posts on social media. Your support has been truly amazing during this difficult time. A special thank you to those involved with Matt’s care. He’s a fighter and the strongest young man we know. We have no doubt he’ll win this fight.”
Egan first joined the Bombers for the 2021-22 season and has played parts of the last three seasons for the team, putting up 10 goals and 20 points in 87 regular season games. This season, Egan has battled injuries but still suited up for 13 games this year, scoring twice and adding an assist. Egan has become a fan favourite in his time in maroon and white for his hardscrabble, physical play and his fighting prowess - the St. Adolphe, Man. native has two fights this season and dropped the mitts three times last year.
Regardless of his health, Egan will face a short layoff from the Bombers - according to the SJHL’s website, Egan is currently facing a six-game suspension for his last fight, during the Bombers’ final game before the holiday break against La Ronge Dec. 16. Egan dropped the mitts with La Ronge’s Max Henderson after taking a high, unpenalized hit from Henderson. The fight took place just after a line change and before the puck was dropped to continue play, leading the league to determine Egan had left the bench for the fight.
Pending any appeals, Egan will be next be eligible to play during the Bombers' road game against the Battlefords North Stars Jan. 27.
