-Vintage Canuck- Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 Quote Longtime NHL referee Kerry Fraser revealed Friday that he has a rare, incurable form of cancer. Fraser, who retired from officiating in 2010, has been diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia, a chronic blood disorder in the leukemia family. The 65-year-old said his doctor told him that while it is an incurable cancer, those afflicted can live normal lives for many years, and that he will monitor the disease to make sure it does not progress. Fraser believes he's fortunate to catch the condition early. "I consider myself blessed that this rare disease was diagnosed before I had a stroke or heart attack," Fraser wrote. "At 65, I was planning on living a healthy, full life for many more years. Now that I know I have this disease I can take extra precautions to keep my blood thinner and hopefully prevent a blood clot from hitting my heart or brain." Fraser spent 37 years as an NHL official beginning in 1973, and worked several international competitions as well, including the 1996 World Cup of Hockey and the 1998 Winter Olympics. https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1413497 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-AJ- Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 Sad news, but it sounds like it won't take him for a while yet, which is good. His attitude also seems great about it, which is encouraging. There's not too many referees who have a name that tons of fans know, but Fraser is one of them. I also just read his blog a bit and was reminded of how honest Fraser was with the state of reffing in the NHL. It's honestly a great read if anyone is interested in the referees' perspective of things: http://www.kerryfraser.com/blog-1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alflives Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 Very good ref. Kind of the last of the "old breed", when refs had a "feel" for the game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Building Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 I'll never forget an on ice fall of his being featured on one of Don Cherry's Rock 'em Sock 'em videos, and Don quietly saying "It's ok, he landed on his hair". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shift-4 Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 &^@# Cancer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWMc1 Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Even a ref. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twilight Sparkle Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 He was one of the good ones. I wish the guy the best of health Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shift-4 Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 31 minutes ago, Twilight Sparkle said: He was one of the good ones. I wish the guy the best of health I actually hated him. Thought he hated the Canucks. lol But I am on his side all the way right now. Best wishes to Kerry and family! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewbieCanuckFan Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 12 minutes ago, Shift-4 said: I actually hated him. Thought he hated the Canucks. lol Not one game against the Red Wings...a long time ago, in a galaxy, far, far away.... He gave us TWO penalty shots in a single game (might've been in the same period!). Hlinka scored one of the goals on those penalty shots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-DLC- Posted November 4, 2017 Share Posted November 4, 2017 Sad news but, as far as cancer goes, hearing he may have lots of time left is a blessing. Thoughts are with him, hope it's quality time and that he doesn't suffer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morrissex95 Posted November 4, 2017 Share Posted November 4, 2017 Just found out a few months ago that my aunt has breast cancer. They caught it early so her prognosis is good. It's always sad to hear someone you love and care about has this horrific disease. I'm saddened as well to here that a great ref in the game of hockey in Mr. Fraser unfortunately has this disease and will have to fight it with all he has in him. Godspeed for Kerry Fraser! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rush17 Posted November 4, 2017 Share Posted November 4, 2017 sad face. been watching him since i was a kid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NucksCelts Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Sad news. I’ve never had cancer but have some significant losses from it. Always such an impossible thing to navigate. Sounds like he’s still got some time on an already long, accomplished life. Hope him the best. We’re lucky to have modern, and alternative medicine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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