Maharaj, Ducks goaltending coach, being treated for pancreatic cancer

Sudarshan Maharaj, the goaltending coach for the Anaheim Ducks, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The 59-year-old plans to return after chemotherapy and a planned surgery, the Ducks said.

"While this has been a very difficult time, I have had amazing support from my family and the Ducks organization, especially owners Henry and Susan Samueli," Maharaj said in a statement. "I plan on fighting this disease vigorously with the help of my tremendous doctors both in Toronto and with the Ducks. The hockey community is an amazingly supportive place, and I look forward to seeing you all soon."

The Ducks plan to hire an assistant goaltending coach in Maharaj's absence.

"We love 'Sudsie' so much! An amazing person and friend to so many in hockey," Henry and Susan Samueli said. "Our organization sends heartfelt support to his wife Yvonne, and daughters Alexandra and Katherine. Sudsie is bound and determined to beat this terrible disease, and we can't wait until he does."

Maharaj is the second Ducks assistant coach to be diagnosed with cancer this year. Mike Stothers announced in March that he had Stage 3 melanoma of the lymph node.