Shawn Mullin's Trail Smoke Eaters Blog: Jago Update

As many of you know, Smokies forward Scott Jago was diagnosed with cancer a couple of months back. When something like that happens it is always up to the family how much is or isn't said publicly about what is going on. It's taken a while for an official diagnosis. This week Scott talked to me on Overtime about his condition and the treatment for it. In short, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. However, the tumor is actually in his chest. He explained it to me in the interview, but I have to admit I'm not that biologically inclined so some of it kind of goes over my head as to how it worked out that way. This is how Scott explained it:

"When you're going through puberty there are some cells in your chest that
go down to your testicles. In some people, some of these cells end up staying
behind in your chest. I wouldn't say it's normal, but it's not bad that some of
these cells stay behind. It happens. But mine turned into a cancer."

The good news is that so far it doesn't require surgery. He'll go through 12 weeks of chemo and hopefully that will take care of it.

Scott seems to be in very good spirits and is confident in a full recovery. He says they caught the cancer quite early and are optimistic that treatment should work just fine. I can't wait to see him lace up the skates with the Smokies again next year. God willing he'll be a big part of that team. As I've said before, I think he is a player that has a terrific hockey sense and work ethic. Could be a big goal scorer for the team next year too. But that's not the priority now, other things are more important. I know fans and friends are keeping him in their thoughts.

If you want to hear the full interview I've posted the audio files on our website.

NEWS AND NOTES

...Kevin Limbert scored twice in the BCHL All-Star game on Wednesday. Of course goals in that game were about as rare as photos of Britney Spears on the internet. Limbert scored twice in the twelve goal third period. Congratulations to the Smoke Eaters Captain and Fruitvale native on doing a fine job representing the team at the big game. Despite Limbert's efforts, the Coast beat the Interior 15-9.

...The Smoke Eaters start a home and home with Penticton tonight. The last game between the two teams went to Overtime with former Smokie Nathan Westover scoring the winner for the Vees. Trail actually had a lead with 30 seconds to play in that game. They're hoping to bust out of a nine game losing streak against the top team in the Interior conference. The Smoke Eaters have played Penticton well all year long and we shouldn't expect anything less tonight and tomorrow. The pre-game show gets underway at 6:45pm tonight with AM Ford Trail Smoke Eaters Hockey on Mountain FM and the BCHL Fanzone. Tomorrow night the puck drops at 7:30pm at Cominco Arena. Support these guys, January has been tough and they could really use a boost from a strong crowd.