UMD standout Will Francis determined to play this season amid cancer setback

University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs defensemen Will Francis announced through the team's twitter account he has had a cancer relapse.

"I have some unfortunate news to share," Francis said in the announcement Monday. "Earlier this month, during a routine, post-recovery check-up, a blood test revealed a relapse, indicating that my cancer has returned."

Francis was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in March of 2020 when tests revealed his white blood cell count was almost 20 times higher than normal. The defenseman completed chemotherapy in July of 2022 and returned to the ice last season, registering one assist in 28 games for the Bulldogs.

"I was disappointed and shocked because I am in the best physical shape of my life, I've felt great on and off the ice, and there were no symptoms of any kind," Francis continued. "The way that last season and last school year ended for me, and the way that my summer has gone with friends, family, and hockey, I was optimistic entering the coming year. I'm surrounded and supported by not only my family, all my teammates who are like my brothers, all of our coaches and athletic trainers, and friends but an excellent team of doctors and medical professionals, and they have a plan for us to again attack and defeat the disease."

The 22-year-old was a sixth-round pick by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2019 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-5 defenseman helped Centennial High School finish fourth at the 2018 Class AA Minnesota state tournament.

"So although I will miss the fall semester of school and hockey due to treatments in the Twin Cities, I anticipate being back on the UMD campus, in class, and on the ice at Amsoil in January. I will be back," Francis said.