IRVINE, Calif. (Northern News Now) – This past weekend, former Minnesota Duluth defenseman, Anaheim Ducks prospect and three-time cancer survivor Will Francis reached another milestone: skating in his first professional hockey training camp and playing in his first games as a member of the Ducks during Anaheim’s rookie camp.
Francis, diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2020, has battled and beaten the disease three times. The 6-foot-5 blueliner was selected by Anaheim in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft and went on to play for Minnesota Duluth from 2020 to 2025. He missed multiple seasons while undergoing treatment but returned to the ice before graduating in May 2025.
Following graduation, Francis joined the San Diego Gulls, Anaheim’s AHL affiliate, and signed a one-year standard player contract earlier this summer.
This weekend, Francis and the Ducks’ rookie team hosted the Golden State Rookie Faceoff Tournament, which featured games against the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings rookie squads. Despite making his pro debut, Francis played with intensity, even dropping the gloves — and making another lifelong dream come true.
“It’s a surreal experience. Ever since 2019, it’s been something that has been a goal and a dream of mine,” Francis said. “It’s super cool to finally achieve it after everything I’ve been through. Looking back in 2019, I probably hoped that it would come a little earlier but, in the end, good things come to those who wait.”
Anaheim Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville praised Francis for his perseverance.
“What Will went through — beating cancer three times — is very remarkable,” Quenneville said. “His commitment to living out his dream, playing pro hockey, has inspired every one of us. His courage through his journey shows the type of role model he is, not just as a hockey player but as a human being.”
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