CALGARY - For years, Jarome Iginla played through just about everything hockey could throw at him.

Broken bones, bruises, bumps, slashes, playoff wars and the relentless punishment of more than 1,600 NHL games. Nothing seemed capable of keeping one of the toughest competitors in Calgary Flames history down for long.

Now, the Hockey Hall of Famer is facing a battle far removed from the rink.

“Unfortunately I have been battling some health issues,” said the 49-year-old from his home in Lake Country, B.C.

“Some neurological issues. I’m not entirely sure what it is, it may be from metal toxins from reaction to the cobalt hip.”

Iginla underwent hip replacement surgery a few years ago after a career spent absorbing the physical toll of professional hockey. Complications followed, along with medications that have affected his energy, weight and speech.

There are concerns that the cobalt-chromium components used in some artificial hip implants can release metal ions and debris through wear or corrosion, potentially causing complications as they enter the bloodstream.

He also had high mercury levels in his body and is working to get that down, while trying to........

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