Earlier this week, starting goalie Craig Anderson was granted a leave of absence from the team to deal with a personal issue at home.
Today, the organization shared the reason for his departure.
Craig’s wife Nicholle Anderson has recently been diagnosed with cancer. And while Nicholle and the Anderson family are still awaiting additional details on her diagnosis, a decision was made to allow Craig to be with his family during a difficult time.
This afternoon, the organization announced that Craig Anderson would be rejoining the team.
In a remarkable twist, it was Nicholle Anderson that pushed for Craig to return to the team. With the injury to Hammond (which could be a week or more) and her own situation still somewhat unknown, Nicholle told Craig to call Pierre Dorion and offer to return. That’s such an incredible gesture by a woman clearly going through a devastating moment in her own life.
Craig Anderson will rejoin the team with the understanding that he may need to leave again in the future. Nicholle and Craig may address the media in Ottawa next week.
It goes without saying but all the best to Nicholle and her family during this difficult time.
The Senators will host a Hockey Fights Cancer game on November 5th against the Buffalo Sabres. Details on that event are available here.
