Three-Time Cancer Survivor Beats All Odds and Signs With Western Conference Team

Minnesota Duluth senior defenseman Will Francis has committed to play with the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League (AHL), the Anaheim Ducks' premier minor league affiliate.

This information was revealed by Bulldogs head coach Scott Sandelin during his season-ending press conference that was being held at Amsoil Arena.

Francis, 24, was selected by the Anaheim Ducks during the sixth round, with the 163rd overall pick, during the 2019 NHL Draft.

His college hockey career at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) was marked by unbelievably inspiring resilience, as he fought acute lymphoblastic leukemia, not once, not twice, but a whopping three times.

First diagnosed at 19 in March 2020, he spent three of his four years at UMD in cancer treatment. In April 2024, he had a bone marrow transplant.

Despite these challenges, Francis appeared in 39 games for the Bulldogs spanning four seasons, including four games during the 2024-25 campaign. While he posted one point in his career, his impact extended off the statistics sheet.

Francis was a Maroon and Gold Award recipient as a sophomore and was selected for the Academic All-Conference during his UMD career.

Now a pro, Francis aims to earn a spot with the Gulls and move on to the next level in his professional hockey career, continuing to exhibit once again his dedication both on and off the ice.