MONTREAL (AP) -Former NHL coach Pat Burns is facing a third fight with cancer.
The 56-year-old Burns told Montreal La Presse he has lung cancer. Burns had colon cancer in 2004 and liver cancer in 2005.
“I know what you people are like in Montreal,” Burns told La Presse. “You’re capable of dramatizing everything, if it suits you. The truth is simple: The cancer has returned. But never fear: I’m still alive. I’m not in great shape, but I wake up every morning, I play golf, I ride my motorcycle and I work, despite the illness.”
Burns was 501-350-161-14 in 14 seasons as an NHL coach with Montreal, Toronto, Boston and New Jersey. He led New Jersey to the 2002-03 Stanley Cup title and is the only three-time Jack Adams Award winner as the NHL’s top coach.
Burns had chemotherapy treatments the first two times he had cancer, but said he hasn’t yet decided on what treatment he’ll have this time.
“I haven’t given up,” Burns said. “I fight, as I’ve always done, but in a different way. Obviously, I hope a cure is found eventually.”
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