New York Rangers studio host John Giannone reveals his prostate cancer diagnosis on the Rangers' Hockey Fights Cancer night. Photo Credit: MSG Networks Photo Credit: MSG Networks
Local NetworksNHLBy Reice Shipley on

On Tuesday night, the New York Rangers hosted their annual Hockey Fights Cancer night to help raise awareness and support for the disease. Studio host John Giannone used the platform to reveal his own cancer diagnosis to the world.

Alongside Henrik Lundqvist on the pregame coverage of Tuesday’s Rangers-Stars matchup, Giannone shared a diagnosis he received last month of prostatic adenocarcinoma, otherwise known as prostate cancer.

“Every battle, every storyline is so unique,” said Giannone. “But the support and the awareness is just so vital. That’s why tonight is so important. I can speak firsthand to that because exactly a month ago today, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It came after a routine yearly physical. A heightened blood test that led to an MRI and finally a biopsy that produced the diagnosis. Now, my prognosis is excellent. The care has already begun. So I feel very thankful for that.

“That’s the awareness part. The support part for me has been overwhelming. So many family and friends and colleagues who have reached out. Prostate cancer survivors like our studio director John Gallagher. Like Dave Maloney who will be by in a bit to tell his story. All of the doctors and the medical professionals both in Connecticut and in New York. And certainly, so many people who have eased the sting of hearing the words prostatic adenocarcinoma.

“Last but not least, I have to thank the man who we now welcome in from the Lexus game side studio, our buddy Steve Valiquette. Because Steve really picked up the ball and was there from the very first minute to help advocate for expedited care. Steve made all the difference in the world for me. I’ll be forever thankful and it really is what tonight is all about.”

Giannone also took to social media on Wednesday to share his diagnosis with fans who perhaps didn’t get a chance to tune into Tuesday’s game, thanking everyone for their kind words of support.

“Hi all,” wrote Giannone on X. “As I said last night on MSG Networks, the support since my prostate cancer diagnosis has been overwhelming and SO impactful. And that goes tenfold for what I’ve seen here today. THANK YOU for all the well wishes. I have read them all. And I will cherish them all.” 

Giannone has served as a rinkside reporter and studio host for MSG Networks since 2002, also filling in as a play-by-play broadcaster at times for Sam Rosen whenever needed. So to say that Giannone has been an integral fixture in Rangers coverage of the Rangers over the years in a multitude of ways would be an understatement.

Naturally, many of Giannone’s peers in sports media reached out on social media to share even more words of encouragement and support.

“My man, you’re not just going to beat this, you’re going to smash it into a million pieces with your strength, optimism and big heart,” wrote Dan Rosen of NHL.com. “We all have your back. You’ve got this.”

“All of MSG has your back, John!! We’re here for you sending positive, healing energy your way,” wrote Alex Monaco of MSG.

“All the best to you, John,” wrote Dan Graca of ESPN New York. “Sending prayers and good thoughts your way my friend! God bless.”

About Reice Shipley

Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.

View all posts by Reice Shipley