Former Vancouver Canuck Gino Odjick is opening up on his battle with a rare disease.

In 2014, the bruiser was diagnosed with Amyloidosis — a disease he says attacked his organs and is back attacking his heart.

“Honestly, I was hoping it would not come back for twenty years or more,” Odjick said in a statement released through the Vancouver Canucks Alumni Association, “but I did get six free years of the disease.

“Fortunatley, in the eyes of the doctors, we caught the prognosis and symptoms at the early stages of the disease.”

Odjick said this has left the doctors with optimism that with the right treatment “we should push this ugly disease back into remission.”

Over the last month, Odjick has been in and out of the hospital receiving treatment saying they’re already noticing positive results and feedback.

“I personally would like to thank everyone for their positive thoughts and well wishes,” he added. “Those positive thoughts and well wishes really helped me six years ago and it will do the same this time.”

Odjick, 50, played a total of eight years with the Canucks after being drafted in the fifth round of the 1990 draft. Known for his toughness, he racked up a total of 2567 PIM over his 12 year career.

On Twitter: @zjlaing

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