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Toronto Maple Leafs first-rounder Rodion Amirov revealed last February that he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor, but on Friday the 20-year-old winger revealed to Russian outlet Sport-Express that he hopes to return to the ice this fall.
"Usually people just give up with a diagnosis like that," Amirov said in an interview translated by SI’s David Alter. "I was going to church, seeing my friends and relatives, everyone helped me. I couldn't give up. I got support.
When I didn't want to train my parents forced me to and I'm very grateful for it and the doctor also recommended to train and not to stop. Psychologically, it was more difficult than physically. But I'm a believer, I'm religious and believe in God and the faith helped me out not to fall. To be positive all the time and to have a positive outlook on everything."
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World Junior Update
Roni Hirvonen (Team Captain - Finland) – 1 goal, 3 assists in two games.
Topi Niemela (Finland) – 0 goals, 1 assist in two games
The Leafs prospects teamed up in assisting Islanders draft pick Aatu Raty on his tying goal in the third period of a 4-3 shootout victory over Czechia on Thursday.
Aatu Raty gets his second of the tournament. He’s been impressive. pic.twitter.com/Rq0ZLBhSCL
— rob (@IvanIvanlvan) August 11, 2022
Matthew Knies – 0 goals, 0 assists in two games
The 2021 second-round pick has had numerous scoring opportunities in US victories over Germany and Switzerland playing in the top line with Logan Cooley and Matthew Coronato, but in spite of seven shots on goal, Knies has yet to hit the scoreboard.
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