Bryan Bickell diagnosed with multiple sclerosis

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Bryan Bickell was part of three Stanley Cup seasons with the Blackhawks. (Getty Images)

Former Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, the Carolina Hurricanes announced on Friday.

Bickell, one of the heroes of the Hawks’ 2013 Stanley Cup run, first started experiencing what was described as vertigo symptoms during the 2015 playoffs. He later described them as eye issues, but never was able to figure out exactly what was wrong.

“Since the 2015 playoffs, I’ve been struggling to understand what was going on with my body,” Bickell said in a release. “Again during the past few weeks, it feels like something wasn’t right. Obviously, this is a bit of shock for my family and me, but I am hopeful I will be able to return to the ice and continue playing the game I love.”

Marian Hossa said the news was “a shock.”

“Bryan is a great teammate and friend, and when you hear news like that, obviously it’s tough to hear,” Hossa said. “We wish Bryan all the best and [will] try to reach out to him as soon as possible.”

Said Jonathan Toews: “It’s pretty shocking. What can you say? I think everyone in this room, in this organization, as close as we all are to Bicks, our hearts go out to him and wish him the best health possible. Hopefully he can hang in there and find ways to stay strong despite his condition. Obviously it’s kind of crazy for him. He probably has a lot of people reaching out to him. I’m sure all the guys in this locker room that know him really well will reach out and send him a message and offer their support. It’s pretty shocking but we’re all thinking about him right now.”

Bickell, 30, was traded to Carolina on June 15, along with Teuvo Teravainen. The winger with the big body and the big shot never was able to recapture the magic he had during the 2013 playoffs, when he scored nine goals and eight assists in 23 games. He had no goals and two assists with the Hawks last season, spending most of the year in Rockford. He has played in seven games this season for Carolina, scoring one goal. A second-round pick of the Hawks in 2004, he was part of all three Stanley Cup seasons, in 2010, 2013 and 2015.

“Special guy, tough to hear something like that,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. “We’re thinking about him and our thoughts and prayers are with him. He has a tough road ahead of him, but we’re thinking of Bicks. He was special for us and instrumental in us having a lot of success here. We wish him well.”

“First and foremost, the most important thing is for Bryan to take care of himself and our thoughts are with him and his family,” said Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis. “He will need to take some time to rest in the immediate future, and we will support him as he takes the necessary steps for his health.”

In a statement, Hawks president John McDonough said: “Our thoughts are with Bryan, his family and the Carolina Hurricanes during this challenging time. He has built so many lasting relationships in Chicago both inside and outside of the Blackhawks organization based on his play on the ice and character off of it. Together, we will keep him in our thoughts during his fight against the disease.”

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