New Jersey Devils forward Brian Boyle returned to training camp this week while still battling leukemia.

The 33-year-old was removed from training camp last year in order to monitor his health.

Boyle tells News 12 New Jersey that he reflected on his journey battling the illness over the last year. When asked if he felt healthy, he said, “yeah. I have no excuses.”

Boyle missed just 13 games last year, which is why he won the NHL’s award for perseverance.

“It’s a club we don’t want to be in, but it’s a good story, I think,” Boyle says.

Boyle’s coaches and teammates say that he is essential to the team.

"He means a lot to our group and he's one of those guys who is a core fabric to our locker room,” says Coach John Hynes.

Boyle says that he will now focus on this upcoming season and hopes to see the Devils improve.

The Devils’ first home game will be Oct. 11.