20-year-old Winnipegger Stelio Mattheos says he's grateful to the support of fans as well as doctors and nurses who have been helping him face a cancer diagnosis.

Just two days after helping the Charlotte Checkers hoist the AHL's Calder Cup, Mattheos was diagnosed with testicular cancer, the Carolina Hurricane's say in a news release. 

"I'd like to thank everyone who reached out to offer support and well wishes since the diagnosis," said Mattheos. "I've had amazing support from my friends, family, teammates, coaches and all of the hockey organizations I've been a part of, including the Hurricanes, Checkers and Brandon Wheat Kings.

"I owe a debt of gratitude to my surgeon, Dr. Sabeer Rehsia, and all of the staff at Grace Hospital, as well as Dr. Piotr Czaykowski at Cancer Care Manitoba and all of the nurses on the chemotherapy ward."

After consultation with physicians, the Winnipeg native underwent surgery to remove one testicle and has since completed multiple courses of chemotherapy over the past two months.

Mattheos is expected to return to full health, and he looks forward to resuming his training for the 2019-20 season as soon as his treatments are complete and he receives clearance.

Mattheos was selected by the Hurricanes in the third round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He scored three goals and one assist in 14 Calder Cup playoff games last season after joining the team at the end of Brandon Wheat Kings WHL season.