Saku Koivu was already beloved in Montreal as a skilled and classy center—but in 2001, he became something much bigger: a symbol of courage and hope.
Koivu was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in September 2001 after experiencing stomach pains during training camp. The diagnosis sent shockwaves through the Canadiens’ organization and the hockey world. At just 26 years old and recently named team captain, his future was uncertain.
But Koivu fought back. After eight months of chemotherapy and treatments, he made an emotional return to the lineup on April 9, 2002, just in time for the final three games of the regular season. When he stepped onto the ice at the Bell Centre, over 21,000 fans gave him an 8-minute standing ovation—one of the most emotional moments in hockey history.
Not only did Koivu return, but he helped lead the Canadiens to a first-round playoff upset over the top-seeded Bruins, tallying 10 points in 12 playoff games. He would go on to play seven more productive seasons, becoming one of the most respected captains in NHL history.
He was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for perseverance, and his comeback remains a gold standard of sports bravery.
