This summer, Minnesota Duluth's Will Francis rang the bell on a two-and-a-half-year battle with leukemia. Now the Bulldogs sophomore defenseman and Anaheim Ducks draft pick is a regular in the UMD lineup after playing just five games a year ago as a freshman.
Francis, out of Centennial High School in the Twin Cities, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in March 2020 while recovering from season-ending knee surgery. He was in his second season with the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders of the United States Hockey League at the time. He missed all of the 2020-21 season undergoing cancer treatment, and was still receiving chemotherapy last season while playing for the Bulldogs. He underwent his last treatment in June.
Francis joined the Bulldog Insider Podcast this week to talk about his battle with leukemia and what it took to get back on the ice playing hockey at a high level. Francis shares what it's like to be an inspiration to others battling cancer and the fundraising he's doing, partnering with Sauce Hockey to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through the sale of Built Bulldog Tough T-shirts .
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 and produced by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Wyatt Buckner and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.
You can find more episodes of Bulldog Insider wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes air every Thursday.
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