Hockey

Hockey Hall of Famer Guy Lapointe has oral cancer

The Montreal Canadiens say Hockey Hall of Famer Guy Lapointe has been diagnosed with oral cancer. The 71-year-old played most of his 16-year NHL career with the team and won six Stanley Cups.

71-year-old, who won 6 Stanley Cups with Canadiens, to begin treatment in coming weeks

Hall of Famer Guy Lapointe, who played much of his 16-year NHL career with the Canadiens, has been diagnosed with oral cancer. (Graham Hughes/Canadian Press/File)

The Montreal Canadiens say Hockey Hall of Famer Guy Lapointe has been diagnosed with oral cancer.

The NHL team issued a statement this morning at the request of Lapointe and his family.

The cancer is located at the base of the tongue and the 71-year-old will begin treatments in the coming weeks.

The statement also says this form of cancer has a high cure rate.

Lapointe, a Montreal native, played most of his 16-year NHL career with the Canadiens.

The defenceman won the Stanley Cup on six occasions with Montreal before closing out his career with stops in St. Louis and Boston.