Hartford Whalers great Kevin Dineen announced Sunday that he has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“This Thanksgiving feels a bit different. A few months ago, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It has put a lot into perspective, most of all how lucky I am to be surrounded by so many supportive family and friends,” Dineen posted on X.
This Thanksgiving feels a bit different. A few months ago, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It has put a lot into perspective, most of all how lucky I am to be surrounded by so many supportive family and friends. #HockeyFightsCancer pic.twitter.com/IDnrUjl74T
— Kevin Dineen (@kdino9) November 30, 2025
The Whalers drafted Dineen in the third round of the 1982 NHL Draft out of the University of Denver. He played one more year in Denver before turning pro and he made his NHL debut with the Whalers in December 1984.
Beloved by Whalers fans, Dineen played seven seasons for the team before being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers at the beginning of the 1991-92 season.
He returned to the Whalers in December 1995 and played for the team in its last season in Hartford in 1996-97.
Dineen moved with the team to North Carolina and played for the Hurricanes for two seasons. He finished out his career with a stint with the Ottawa Senators and the Columbus Blue Jackets before retiring in 2002.
“As #HockeyFightsCancer Month comes to an end, I wanted to share my news because hockey has taught me that no fight is faced alone. For anyone out there battling something heavy—whether it’s cancer or another fight entirely—I want you to know you are not alone,” he posted on X.