New York University hockey coach Chris Cosentino sent out a text message to his captains and veteran leaders during the holiday break, touching base with them as they prepared to return to campus and resume their 2014-15 season.

The answer he got back from junior goaltender Sam Daley was not what he was anticipating.

"We have to talk," Daley had written.

That’s when Daley revealed that he would soon be undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor.

The tumor was discovered when Daley was back home in New Hampshire with his parents for the holidays and complained about some pain in his arms. Doctors ran tests and told him the news.

Cosentino told his team. One freshman goaltender was scheduled to get his wisdom teeth removed but canceled the appointment and made plans to return as soon as possible. The entire team rallied around Daley, knowing he’d confront the issue directly, just as aggressively as he did on the ice every game.

“It really hit everybody hard because Sam is such a big part of the program, not just on the ice, but off the ice, as well. He’s an incredible student. He wants to be a dentist,” Cosentino told ESPN.com. “It was so odd that this can happen to someone [like him].”

Cosentino and Daley’s teammates were comforted by the fact that Daley did not sound fearful of the daunting diagnosis.

Sam Daley's coach, teammates and many others have rallied around him after his diagnosis. Leandra Lardner

“He didn't sound scared at all,” Cosentino said. “That’s the exactly the way he plays; he’s a fearless competitor.”

Daley underwent surgery Wednesday at Massachusetts General Hospital, an eight-hour process from which he is now recovering in the intensive care unit with his mother and girlfriend at his bedside.

It will take seven to 10 days before doctors know whether the tumor is cancerous or benign.

Meanwhile, everyone in the NYU hockey family, as well as the larger hockey community, will wait and hope to hear some positive news.

Until then, the hashtag "#DaleyStrong" has made its way through the Twittersphere, which has buoyed Daley’s spirits significantly.

“It’s been amazing, the outpouring of support,” Cosentino said.

The fifth-year coach doesn’t know if Daley will be able to play again this year, though it appears unlikely since he isn’t expected to be enrolled in school this semester while he recovers. Cosentino just wants what is best for Daley's long-term health.

So much right now is unknown. All everyone can do is remain upbeat, like Sam.

The team doesn’t have another game until Jan. 24. Fortunately, the schedule will work out in everyone’s favor with NYU visiting UMass that night.

In fact, Daley told Cosentino he plans to be there.

“He’s a hockey player,” Cosentino said. “That’s his attitude.”