Fans show support for Brock Boeser after Vancouver Canuck asked about father’s health

The NHL playoffs begin Monday but the Vancouver Canucks won’t be among the teams taking the ice. The team closed out its 2021/2022 season Sunday with an emotional season-ending news conference that is getting a lot of attention.

The team spoke about developing a winning culture, their respect for head coach Bruce Boudreau, and how they came close to making it to the playoffs. However, it’s the reaction to winger Brock Boeser being asked about his father’s health that is overshadowing the lockerroom cleanup.

Boeser began to get emotional following the question, and defenceman Quinn Hughes jumped in during a long pause to call for another question from reporters.

Fighting through tears, Boeser then said, “no, I can answer it. He’s not doing well. He has pretty bad dementia right now. It’s onset and it has gotten pretty bad this year and it’s really hit me hard.”

Boeser then left the podium. Elias Pettersson tried to speak following his departure but also became emotional.

READ MORE: As Canucks look to off-season, Horvat, Boeser remind us of human side of sports

Hughes eventually told reporters, “We can’t comprehend what he’s going through. It’s tough for him. All we can do is try to be there for him. I don’t want to speak too much about his situation, but hopefully, we can be the best support system for him.”

Many fans have taken to social media to show their support for Boeser. Many have also been critical about the personal question.

This is a reminder to anyone who was talking about boeser not having such a great season. He is a human who could have so much happening off the ice which we may not know about. And the same goes for every other hockey player on this team.

— ✭andrew⁹ (@andrew3635) May 1, 2022

“Here’s an idea. Don’t ask players to speak to the media about sensitive subjects ESPECIALLY when they have to do with a players (sic) family,” one person wrote on Twitter.

Boeser has spoken about his father’s medical challenges in the past and has been raising awareness of Parkinson’s disease since his father, Duke, was diagnosed in 2010. His father has also battled cancer.

As a supporter of Parkinson Society BC, Boeser has taken part in several fundraising campaigns for the charity and makes a $1,000 donation on each goal he scores.

Boeser has worked with the Parkinson Society of BC in honour of his dad. He donates $1,000 for every goal he scores. You can donate here:https://t.co/kBp62e2jKz

— Jason Brough ?? (@SadClubCommish) May 2, 2022

Others have shared their own experiences of how the disease affects their own families.

I know how Brock Boeser feels when he spoke of his dad with Dementia. My dad passed away with parkinsons dementia. Today would’ve been his birthday. Happy Birthday dad!

— TheRealDerekAitken98 (@DerekAitken98) May 2, 2022

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. More than 12 per cent of Canada’s population over the age of 80 are living with the disease, according to the Parkinson Society of BC.

With files from Sportsnet