(Caps Outsider)
The Caps hosted Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Friday, with special guest Linda Laughlin – wife of longtime Caps color commentator Craig Laughlin – dropping the ceremonial puck.
Linda is currently undergoing treatment for uterine serous carcinoma, a form of endometrial cancer. The Laughlins told NHL.com reporter Tom Gulitti that Linda was diagnosed in April and finished chemotherapy on Oct. 26 (but still has radiation therapy ahead). Meanwhile, during all of this, the Caps were playing and went on to the Stanley Cup Finals. Instead of traveling to Vegas to witness the team’s first championship, Craig stayed in town so he could be closer to his wife.
Normally out of the spotlight, Linda spoke of her reasons for stepping up. “What I’m looking forward to is this opportunity to see not only what the NHL initiative can generate for cancer in general, but if I can also support that, bring some particular issues I think to light which I think are not generally known or understood, that I can give a voice to something that right now is pretty quiet and silent even within the framework of all that’s being done for cancer.”
Linda also handles much of the work behind the scenes with Network Hockey at The Gardens Ice House, in Laurel, Md., something that daughter Courtney and son Kyle also help run.
On Craig and Courtney’s podcast on Monumental Sports Network, Courtney spoke of a moment after coaching back in April where she was so worried about her mother that she broke down to her father, who then said to her, “Your mom is tough. She is a warrior, and she is going to beat this. And we’re going to be a stronger family because of it.”
Before the ceremony on Friday, Craig and Courtney gave pointers to Linda on how to drop the puck, which included hours of practice at home. “She’s gotta be able to drop it better than a lot of linesmen do,” Craig said on his podcast.
“I don’t want to look stupid, that’s for sure,” Linda said. Despite having a husband and two children who play hockey, Linda doesn’t, though she skates.
The Laughlins are also starting the Craig and Linda Laughlin Foundation, which will help raise awareness and resources for under-funded and under-researched cancers, including the type that Linda has.
From The Post: Craig Laughlin hosts annual Network Hockey coaches vs. students game
"Every cancer deserves a voice."
Linda Laughlin and her family are dedicated to raising awareness to the rare form of uterine cancer she was diagnosed with 6 months ago.
It all starts tonight at 7PM when Linda drops the puck for Hockey Fights Cancer night. 💜 pic.twitter.com/wVeVF880jl
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) November 9, 2018
This is going to be a special night ! Not only a great game, Caps vs Cbus , but tonight we also raise awareness for #HockeyFightsCancer. My wife has the honor of dropping a ceremonial puck and I will join her on the ice! I can't wait @NBCSWashington Practice makes perfect! pic.twitter.com/KIsnL7BN9P
— Craig Laughlin (@Laughlin18) November 9, 2018
Words cant describe how incredible my mom is. She is my hero. Going public with her diagnosis was no easy task, but we hope that you join our family tonight in raising awareness for all rare cancers, not just hers. I will be fighting for her tonight! #CapsFightCancer pic.twitter.com/KfAIcIlITv
— Courtney Laughlin (@CourtneyL_Caps) November 9, 2018
"She inspires me every day" – @Laughlin18
6 months ago, Linda Laughlin was diagnosed with a rare form of uterine cancer. Tonight, she will drop the puck on Hockey Fights Cancer night.💜
@JoeBpXp sat down with Linda and her family to discuss the daunting diagnosis. pic.twitter.com/mhW83igGHj
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) November 9, 2018
