S4 E19: Battling back from cancer with UMD's Zach Stejskal

A little less than three months ago, Minnesota Duluth sophomore goaltender Zach Stejskal announced he was battling testicular cancer.

Stejskal declined interviews at the time to focus on his health, but did do a question and answer piece with UMDBulldogs.com in which he wrote in all CAPS, “I DO PLAN TO PLAY” hockey again in 2021-22. Stejskal kept his word as the Cohasset native and former Grand Rapids High School standout returned to the Bulldogs crease Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022 at Magness Arena in Denver in an unplanned relief appearance of junior starter Ryan Fanti at the start of the second period. Stejskal made 20 saves on 22 shots as the Bulldogs won 3-2.

In this week's episode, Stejskal tells the News Tribune's Matt Wellens and My9's Zach Schneider what it was like receiving his diagnosis, his attitude, the support from family, teammates and opponents and returning to the ice.

The Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Duluth News Tribune sports reporter Matt Wellens and My9 television voice of Bulldog hockey Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Samantha Erkkila and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.