Wife of Hurricanes' Walker has cervical cancer

May 16, 2009 - 5:38 PM RALEIGH, N.C.(AP) -- The wife of Carolina Hurricanes forward Scott Walker has cancer. The team says the cervical cancer is treatable and she is expected to make a full recovery.

The team said Saturday that Julie Walker was diagnosed during the Eastern Conference semifinal against Boston.

Scott Walker said his wife wants him to concentrate on hockey. He adds that she has been consoling him more than the other way around. The Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins open the conference final Monday.

Walker was vilified in Boston for punching Aaron Ward late in Game 5, drawing a $2,500 fine. He then scored the winning goal in overtime of Game 7.