‘Slap Shot’ actor, former LA Kings forward Steve Carlson reveals stage 4 cancer battle
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By Kelli Dugan, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Retired NHL forward Steve Carlson, best known as one of the enthusiastically aggressive Hanson Brothers in the 1977 cult classic “Slap Shot,” revealed Friday that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
Carlson, 66, and his wife, Vicki, established a GoFundMe page, confirming his Oct. 4 diagnosis of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma that has spread to his lymph nodes, WPXI reported.
“Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) generally has a high survival rate,” Carlson wrote in his post, adding, “The 5-year survival is 99% when detected early. Once SCC has spread to the lymph nodes (In my case) and beyond, the survival rates are lower. Yet this cancer is still treatable with surgery and other therapies, even in its advanced stages.”
The funds will be used for treatments Carlson is receiving in Altoona and Pittsburgh, WPXI reported.
The online fundraising plea urges supporters to “Put on the Foil and FIGHT for STEVE CARLSON #17,” referencing a scene from the Paul Newman-anchored sports comedy in which Carlson and his on-screen brothers tape aluminum foil to their knuckles in a bid to up their on-ice fight skills, The Tribune-Democrat reported.
According to the newspaper, Carlson played a prominent role in the Johnstown Jets winning the professional North American Hockey League championship in 1974-75, alongside teammates Dave “Killer” Hanson, captain Galen Head, Guido Tenesi, Vern Campigotto and a host of others.
The team’s vigor and spirit inspired the “Slap Shot” script, and the movie was ultimately filmed in Johnstown the following year, The Tribune-Democrat reported.
“I have been retired for 33 years, and unfortunately I did not play enough games while working in the NHL to qualify for a pension or benefits. I have been completely reliant upon Social Security benefits and attending social appearances. … Put on the Foil. Share this with everyone. It’s the only way it will work,” Carlson wrote.
Steve Carlson UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER, 1996: The Hanson Brothers from the movie "Slapshot" Jack Hanson #18 (portrayed by David Hanson), Steve Hanson #17 (portrayed by Steve Carlson) and Jeff Hanson #16 (portrayed by Jeff Carlson) slide on the ice and wave to the crowd before a New York Islanders game circa December, 1996 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images)
Steve Carlson BOSTON - NOVEMBER 21: Steve Carlson from the movie Slapshot has fun with a fan before the Boston Bruins game at the TD Banknorth Garden on November 21, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) (Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
Steve Carlson Steve Carlson, David Hanson, Riki Rachtmann and Jeff Carlson (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc) (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic via Getty Images)
Steve Carlson Steve Carlson (left) and Jeff Carlson (center), who starred along with Dave Hanson (not pictured) as the infamous "Hansen brothers" in the 1977 movie "Slap Shot." The Carlsons and Hanson have reprised their roles for a current Bud Light commercial. Star Tribune staff file photo by Pete Hohn, September 23, 1975.(Photo By PETE HOHN/Star Tribune via Getty Images) (PETE HOHN/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
Steve Carlson NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 24: Steve Carlson attends the Phoenix Coyotes vs New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden on March 24, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images) (James Devaney/GC Images via Getty Images)
Steve Carlson HOCKEY BROTHERS--09/07/07--The Hanson Brothers (L to R) Dave Hanson, Steve Carlson, and Jeff Carslon, pose with Staal brothers Jordan (L) and Eric during an EA sports video game launch at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, September 7, 2007. (Andrew Wallace/Toronto Star)anw (Photo by Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star via Getty Images) (Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Steve Carlson 1977: Jack Hansen (David Hanson), Steve Hansen (Steve Carlson) and Jeff Hansen (Jeff Carlson), professional hockey players in real life, play fun-loving kids, but murderous competitors during the movie "Slap Shot" in 1977. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Steve Carlson NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE -- Pictured: NBC Sports? Bob Costas with the Hanson Brothers from "Slap Shot? - from left Jeff Carlson (Jeff Hanson), Bob Costas, Steve Carlson (Steve Hanson) and David Hanson (Jack Hanson) - during the Kraft Hockeyville, USA preseason game featuring the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins. -- (Photo by: Matthew Ziance/NBC Sports/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images) (NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Steve Carlson NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 23: (L-R) Former hockey player Jeff Carlson, director Michael Dowse, former hockey players Dave Hanson and Steve Carlson, and actor Seann William Scott attend the "Goon" New York premiere at the SVA Theater on February 23, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/WireImage) (Gary Gershoff/WireImage via Getty Images)
Steve Carlson ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER, 1993: Stu Grimson #32 of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim poses for a portrait with the Hanson Brothers from the movie "Slapshot" Jack Hanson #18 (portrayed by David Hanson), Steve Hanson #17 (portrayed by Steve Carlson) and Jeff Hanson #16 (portrayed by Jeff Carlson) circa December, 1993 at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images)
Steve Carlson ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER, 1993: Todd Ewen #36 of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim poses for a portrait with the Hanson Brothers from the movie "Slapshot" Jack Hanson #18 (portrayed by David Hanson), Steve Hanson #17 (portrayed by Steve Carlson) and Jeff Hanson #16 (portrayed by Jeff Carlson) circa December, 1993 at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images)