John Walton, the longtime radio voice of the Washington Capitals and former voice of the Hershey Bears, revealed that he was diagnosed with colon cancer on Tuesday.
Walton shared the diagnosis in a statement on social media and shared with followers what lies ahead for him in the coming months.
Some personal news to share, and it’s a little rough. I’ve been diagnosed with colon cancer. pic.twitter.com/gD2JZMRItq
— John Walton (@JohnWaltonPxP) August 27, 2024
Walton says that he will have surgery on Wednesday to remove the cancerous mass in his colon. His doctors told him that his prognosis is good. He states that he plans on still being at Capitals Training Camp in September and on the mic for the team’s first preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers on September 22.
“I will be in a fight for a bit, but it’s a fight I’m going to win,” Walton writes. “I am so incredibly thankful for my hockey and MSE family who have been so supportive of me through this time, and I won’t be down for long.”
Walton has been with the Capitals since 2011 as the team’s primary radio play-by-play voice. Before that, he spent nine years with the Bears in the AHL. He has also done national TV work for NBC Sports, calling select Stanley Cup playoff games and women’s hockey at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Both the Capitals PR and the Capitals’ main X account sent well wishes to Walton after he posted his statement. Capitals owner, Ted Leonsis, did the same.
“Wishing you strength and healing – know that you’re surrounded by love and positive thoughts,” Capitals PR tweeted. “We are here to support you every step of the way.”
“We are all with you, John! ❤️,” @Capitals added.
“John – your #ALLCAPS family is standing with you in this fight,” Leonsis wrote. “We @MSE and the @Capitals will be with you every step of the way. Wishing you a swift recovery and can’t wait to see you back in the booth soon.”
Walton finished his statement by urging all over the age of 45 to go and get checked for colon cancer. Per the American Cancer Society, people at average risk of colon cancer start regular screening at age 45 and should continue to get regular screening through age 75.
All of us at RMNB wish John the absolute best and can’t wait to hear his voice behind more Capitals hockey this season and for many seasons to come.
