Robert Mueller

Sad news today. Robert Meuller has passed away. He was just 28 years old.

Back in 2006 he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He had an operation to remove it, and returned to the ice with Cologne of the German league. The two time Olympian even returned to the national team, competing at the 2008 World Championships in Quebec City. It was his eighth world tourney.

In August 2008 further operations discovered rapidly spreading cancer. He was diagnosed as terminally ill with the incurable glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor. The doctors told him there was nothing they could do for him.

This past season the former Washington Capitals draft pick returned for Cologne for a stretch as the back up goaltender. It was his way of saying goodbye to hockey. He practiced with the team and was even able to get into a couple of games before his health deteriorated to the point that he could no longer participate.

Needless to say, Robert Mueller was an inspiration to many.

“With his strong will, Müller inspired many people in their battle against the terrible disease. He showed us all what it means to never give up," said Franz Reindl, the general secretary of the German Ice Hockey Association.