NY Islanders' Mathew Barzal finds inspiration in young cancer survivor amid injury

Mathew Barzal has spent much of his hockey career inspiring young New York Islanders fans. But as he works his way back from another frustrating injury, the roles have been reversed.

And the inspiration is coming from Tommy Ryan.

Ryan's remarkable story was featured Monday in the New York Post, detailing his fight against a rare form of leukemia that resulted in 150 days in the hospital, a medically induced coma and the removal of his left lung. Now cancer-free for a year, Ryan credits the Islanders and Barzal with helping him through his darkest days.

On Tuesday morning, Barzal surprised Ryan during an appearance on "Fox & Friends," revealing just how much the young fan has meant to him.

Barzal, who has yet to play this season while recovering from lingering knee problems, admitted the road back hasn't been easy.

"I got Tommy's bracelet that he gave me at our game, you know, hanging on my car dashboard," Barzal said. "And occasionally I look up at it, and I have hard days right now, but just remembering what he went through and even just seeing him here today, man, gives me life and belief that I'm gonna be all right."

It's a remarkable reversal for a relationship that began when Barzal FaceTimed Ryan during his hospitalization. The two eventually met at UBS Arena in March, with Barzal giving Ryan a signed stick bearing the message, "You inspire me!"

Turns out, he meant it.

"You grow up, you know, idolizing other hockey players, and then you get put in this position," Barzal said. "You know, I'm inspired by Tommy right now, and I look up to him in a way."

For Barzal, getting healthy and returning to the ice remains the goal.

But thanks to Tommy Ryan, he's carrying a little extra perspective along the way.

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