Minnesota Wild goaltender Josh Harding has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, the NHL team said Thursday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Josh and his family following the news that he has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis,” Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher in a statement.
“Josh’s competitive fire has led him to a successful career in the NHL and we know he will approach this new battle in the same manner.”
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system thought to be an auto-immune disorder.
Its effects can include blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis, and blindness and more. These problems may be permanent or may come and go.
Harding, 28, notched a record of 13-12-4 with two shutouts and a 2.62 goals-against average in 34 games last season, after which he inked a new three-year, $5.7 million contract.
Wild goalie Harding has multiple sclerosis
