Kerry Fraser diagnosed with cancer

Longtime NHL referee Kerry Fraser revealed Friday that he has a rare, incurable form of cancer.

Fraser, who retired from officiating in 2010, has been diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia, a chronic blood disorder in the leukemia family.

The 65-year-old said his doctor told him that while it is an incurable cancer, those afflicted can live normal lives for many years, and that he will monitor the disease to make sure it does not progress.

Fraser believes he's fortunate to catch the condition early.

"I consider myself blessed that this rare disease was diagnosed before I had a stroke or heart attack," Fraser wrote. "At 65, I was planning on living a healthy, full life for many more years. Now that I know I have this disease I can take extra precautions to keep my blood thinner and hopefully prevent a blood clot from hitting my heart or brain."

Fraser spent 37 years as an NHL official beginning in 1973, and worked several international competitions as well, including the 1996 World Cup of Hockey and the 1998 Winter Olympics.