It was announced Thursday that Pascal Dupuis will be honored with the Dapper Dan Courage Award Wednesday at the Dapper Dan Dinner and Sports Auction. At the dinner Dupuis will discuss his pulmonary embolism condition as well as describe what it was like to play hockey with a serious health condition.
Originally diagnosed with a blood clot in January 2014 after tearing ligaments in his knee, Dupuis was on blood thinners for six months while he recovered from surgery and rehabilitated his knee.
After announcing his decision to stop playing hockey on October 8 this year, Dupuis revealed the risk that he took every time he stepped on the ice. Despite his diagnosis, the right winger continued to play for 10 weeks before the condition became more taxing on him.
After playing 18 games in the 2015-2016 season while still taking blood thinners for his blood clot condition, he felt in was in his best interest for his long-term health, and for his family, to step aside from his career after 15 seasons with the Penguins.
After his announcement he revealed that every time he was dehydrated, absorbed a hit, or even flew on a plane the risk of clotting increased, continually putting his health in jeopardy. Dupuis will remain on the long-term injured reserve for the Penguins until his contract expires next season.
The Dapper Dan Courage Award is awarded to a Pittsburgh area athlete who overcomes adversity, showing perseverance and inspiration to their organization and teammates.
Among the Penguins to win the Dapper Dan Courage Award is Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Dan Bylsma, and Marc-Andre Fleury.
Founded in 1936 by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Editor Al Abrams, the Dapper Dan Foundation is now one of the oldest fundraising community sports club in Western Pennsylvania. The Foundation now has six different fundraising outlets, including the Dapper Dan Dinner and Sports Auction.
Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Penguins
