On many an occasion, this space has been devoured by quotes from Brent Parker.

As recently as 12 days ago, the topic du jour was whether Parker would return for a 14th WHL season as the Regina Pats' general manager. Parker was non-committal, but he still provided enough ammunition for 18 columns, along with some laughter.

That's Brent Parker. Even on the worst days his hockey team may encounter, Parker is typically in fine form. Opinions are thrown around like confetti. The one-liners are priceless.

On May 1, for example, Parker referenced the aftermath of the Pats' season-ending game against the host Swift Current Broncos.

"Driving back from Swift Current, it was like, 'I'm going to have to find a semi to drive in front of,' '' he said. "That's the emotion of it.''

To which I responded: "Did the semi look tempting?''

"Not entirely,'' Parker replied. "The way things were going, I probably would have bounced off the outside of the post, anyway.''

On Monday, we were reminded that the Pats' first-round playoff ouster, while a disappointment to the team and its followers, hardly rates when the larger picture is examined.

The reminder came in the form of an e-mail distributed from the Pats' office. The media release arrived at 2:52 p.m.

"I have recently been diagnosed with a form of soft-tissue cancer that was located in my upper back and shoulder,'' Parker said in a prepared statement. "To this point I have undergone one procedure and will undergo further tests and procedures in the coming days and weeks that will determine the full extent of what lies ahead.

"I have received tremendous care and encouragement from the doctors here in Regina as well as those at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary and I am confident that while I do have some challenges ahead my condition is treatable.''

Parker faced this challenge while immersing himself in preparations for the WHL's bantam draft, visiting the team's selections, addressing incessant inquiries about a rumoured sale of the team, fielding questions about his own future as general manager, etc.

While all these supposedly major issues were being debated, Parker was digesting news that must have hit him like the aforementioned semi. He did not carry himself like a man who is facing adversity.

Parker's strength and demeanour will serve him well as he confronts cancer.

His hockey-related dealings offer an indication of how he will handle this battle. He has never been one for half-measures. If he tackles something, he will not stop short of immersion in the project.

That is a reason why Parker has pondered whether to remain as the general manager. If he cannot go full-blast, he would rather hand the reins to someone else.

The challenge has involved balancing the GM's duties and his responsibilities as a husband (to Karen) and father (to Carlie and Casey). The demands and pressures of an engrossing job have made it increasingly difficult for Parker to dedicate time to his family.

A reminder about where priorities should lie arrived Monday at 2:52 p.m.

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