NHL Goalie Josh Harding Perseveres Over Multiple Sclerosis
Josh Harding has chosen not to let multiple sclerosis become a talking point during the playoff season and is focused on his team and what he can contribute.
Every time he makes a save and every time his team, the Minnesota Wild, earn a win, Harding tells his story of perseverance against unimaginable odds without speaking a single word. His presence on the ice and his contributions to the team resonate far beyond the sport of NHL hockey.
Multiple sclerosis attacks and scars the protective coating of the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, which Harding relies on to make amazing saves as an NHL goalie. He continues to show the world, and to the millions of other people affected with MS that you can persevere against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Former Boston Bruins goalie prospect, Jordan Sigalet (also affected with MS) told ESPN that he applauds Harding for continuing to show that a diagnosis of MS is not always necessarily the “end all” and that you can lead an active, healthy lifestyle.
Harding has multiple sclerosis, but the disease that attacks and scars the protective covering of nerves in the brain and the spinal cord has not defined Harding. “It definitely sends a huge message, especially to the millions of people living with MS,” former Boston Bruins goaltending prospect Jordan Sigalet said. Sigalet also commented about the various medications and how they work differently depending on the patient. He recalled a time when all of his medications were in sync and in harmony with his body and he actually forgot he had the dreaded disease and how his moments of stepping onto the ice allowed him to get away from the cruel reality of his condition.
Even though Harding hasn’t had a tremendous amount of playing time due to struggles with balancing medications and has had missed some playing time as a result. What is incredible though is his save percentage during the time he did spend on the ice. At the time of this writing, Harding has stopped an incredible 103 of 111 shots for a .928 save percentage. Wild coach, Mike Yeo said that he has seen “an unbelievable amount of battle” from Harding.
As for Harding’s long-term prognosis, that is impossible to predict, given the many and varied forms the disease takes and the variety of medications available. However, it’s highly likely that his stellar attitude and perseverance will make a huge difference for him.
We, at SuccessGroove, shout out our praise and encouragement to Harding and every other individual suffering from MS, and express our gratitude for the lessons that they teach us.
