Nick Foligno Returns to the Blackhawks After a Difficult Family Moment
Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno has rejoined the team after being away due to his daughter’s follow-up surgery related to her congenital heart condition. Foligno reported that Milana, who turned 12 last week, is already at home and recovering favorably. She described the previous week as “very stressful.”Foligno also expressed his gratitude to the doctors and staff at Boston Children’s Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. “We were able to assist her quickly and before the situation could get much worse,” he added. The player, who will turn 38 on October 31, is in his third season with Chicago. He missed three games during his absence: an 8-3 victory in St. Louis, a 3-2 shootout loss against Vancouver, and a 2-1 overtime victory against Anaheim. So far this season, the forward has two assists in four games, with no goals.“I think we find a lot of comfort in the support of the hockey community and the fans, former teammates and my second family here,” Foligno stated after practicing with the Blackhawks on Monday. “It’s amazing how everyone comes together to send you a lot of support, love and prayers when you’re going through a difficult time, and our family felt that.”
Nick Foligno
Foligno was named the 35th captain of the Blackhawks in September 2024. His father, Mike, played in the NHL for 15 years, and his brother, Marcus, plays for Minnesota. Nick Foligno debuted in the league with the Ottawa Senators in 2007. He has accumulated 247 goals and 352 assists in 1,237 regular season games, having also played for Columbus, Boston and Toronto. Foligno and his wife, Janelle, also have two sons, Landon and Hudson. Milana is “probably the one who gives us the most strength, by the way she has faced this adversity”, concluded Foligno. “It’s impressive for a 12-year-old girl to face it head-on”.“He’s our leader, so you want that presence in the locker room,” coach Jeff Blashill commented. “I think he brings good energy, so I think it was great to have him back. Great that, considering the situation, everything went very well.”
Jeff Blashill
