VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Former Vancouver Canucks enforcer Gino Odjick says he has a rare terminal illness.

Odjick, in a letter published Thursday on the Canucks’ website, said he was diagnosed with AL (Primary) Amyloidosis two months ago. The disease is “causing abnormal protein to be produced and deposits are being formed on my heart,” said Odjick.

“It’s hardening my heart and my doctors aren’t sure how long I have to live,” added the 43-year-old former forward.

Odjick played from 1990-2002 in the NHL, including eight years in Vancouver and two in Montreal. He also played for the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers, scoring 64 goals, getting 73 assists and 2,567 penalty minutes in 605 regular-season games. Odjick played 44 playoff games, all with Vancouver, scoring four goals and an assist.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.