Sports can provide great relief from the hardships of every day life. That’s true for the athletes in the game, too.

Nicholle Anderson, the wife of Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson, was diagnosed with cancer last week. Craig took a leave of absence from the team but she encouraged him to return to the net.

In his return, he recorded 37 saves and a shutout against the Oilers in Edmonton.

Everyone in the stadium knew the meaning of his gutsy performance and his entire team embraced him after the game ended. Before the puck dropped, Craig was given a standing ovation from the opposing crowd.