John Cullen
Overcame cancer to return to the ice
John Cullen (born August 2, 1964) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played ten seasons in the NHL. He played college hockey for Boston University, where he became the school's all-time leading scorer. After being selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1986 NHL supplemental draft but not offered a contract, he signed with the Flint Spirits of the IHL for 1987–88, leading the league in scoring and winning both Rookie of the Year and MVP honors. His NHL career included stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hartford Whalers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1997, returned to play in 1998 after an 18-month battle, and was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. He later served as an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Quick Facts
- Played for
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Hartford Whalers
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Position
- Centre
- Shoots
- Right
- Born
- 2 August 1964
- Birthplace
- Puslinch, Ontario, Canada
- Draft
- 1986 NHL supplemental draft
- Drafted by
- Buffalo Sabres
Facts from the source article.
Background
Cullen was born in Puslinch, Ontario, one of six children. His father Barry and uncles Brian and Ray all played in the NHL. He idolized his older brother Terry, whose career ended after a broken neck in college. Cullen received only two scholarship offers, choosing Boston University over Ferris State. His mother Loretta died of skin cancer early in his freshman year; he dedicated every game to her memory. He graduated as BU's all-time leading scorer with 241 points and was named to BU's Hockey East 25th anniversary team in 2009.
Did You Know?
- Cullen led the IHL in scoring with 157 points in 1987–88, winning both the James Gatschene Memorial Trophy as MVP and the Gary F. Longman Memorial Trophy as co-Rookie of the Year.
- He scored the game-winning goal in his first game back from cancer, an exhibition match in Innsbruck, Austria, on September 18, 1998.
- Cullen's former teammate Phil Bourque said it 'broke his heart' that Cullen was not on the Penguins when they won the Stanley Cup in 1991.
- He played on lines with Mario Lemieux during the 1989–90 and 1990–91 seasons before being traded.
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