Tony Granato is not only a hockey legend, but also a fighter. The former NHL player, coach, and broadcaster revealed his battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Sunday night, during the NHL on TNT Face Off studio show. He also explained the origin of his bald haircut, which he jokingly called “The Panger” after his colleague Darren Pang.
Granato, 59, said he was diagnosed with the form of blood cancer in November, and has been undergoing chemotherapy since then. He took a leave of absence from his TV analyst positions with NBC Sports Chicago and NHL Network, but returned to the airwaves last month.
“I feel good, I hate to downplay chemo, because chemo is chemo, and it knocks you down pretty darn good. I’ve been fortunate with the side effects, with the obvious [pointing to his lack of hair], there are others. But for the most part, once you get through the chemo, you just kind of build yourself back up between the chemo weeks, and today, I feel great,” he said.
Granato, who played 14 seasons in the NHL with the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks, scoring 248 goals and 244 assists in 774 games, also represented the United States at various international tournaments, including the 1988 Olympics and the 1991 Canada Cup. He coached the Colorado Avalanche for three seasons and the University of Wisconsin for seven seasons, as well as the U.S. men’s team at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.
Tony said his passion for hockey and his family helped him cope with his illness. He is the older brother of Hockey Hall of Famer Cammi Granato and Buffalo Sabres head coach Don Granato, who both sent him messages of support.
Also credited his fellow NHL on TNT analysts, Pang, Anson Carter, and Rick Tocchet, for making him feel welcome and comfortable on the show.
One of the sources of humor was Granato’s new hairstyle, which he said he adopted after losing his hair due to chemo. He said he was inspired by Pang, who is known for his bald head and his witty commentary.
“I call it ‘The Panger’. I figured, if I’m going to lose my hair, I might as well look like one of the best in the business. Pangy has been rocking this look for a long time, and he’s a great guy and a great friend. So I thought, why not pay him a little tribute?” he said.
Pang, who was visibly moved by Granato’s words, thanked him for his courage and his kindness.
“Tony, you’re an inspiration to all of us. You’re a warrior and a gentleman. You’re one of the best people I’ve ever met in this game. And you look great with ‘The Panger’. You wear it well, my friend,” he said.
Granato said he hopes his story can inspire others who are facing similar challenges, and that he is optimistic about his recovery.
