Great update on Dakota Joshua in recovery from cancer.

It doesn't matter what team you cheer for in the National Hockey League, this is the kind of story that every single hockey fan can get behind. Especially all my fellow dudes out there.

Vancouver Canucks forward Dakota Joshua was hit with some devastating news this summer when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Thankfully doctors were able to detect it early and as a result Joshua underwent surgery over the summer to remove a tumor and has since been on the road to recovery.

On Saturday morning, the Canucks got a great update on the status of Joshua moving forward when he was able to return to the ice for the first time since having the surgery over the summer. Joshua was photographed on the ice in what had to feel like huge sigh of relief for both the man himself and his fellow Canucks teammates.

Now to be clear this is not a return to action for Joshua, at least not yet, as he was wearing a non-contact jersey and was effectively an extra when the team worked their lines during their normal morning skate. That being said it is a terrific first step after such a scary ordeal for the 28 year old forward and I suspect that he is likely very excited at the prospect of getting back into game shape and joining the rest of his teammates on the ice for actual NHL games.

I hope he continues to make a full and speedy recovery, but for now welcome back Dakota Joshua.