Ice Hockey news – Alex Dampier thanks well-wishers

by Nigel Duncan

MURRAYFIELD Racers legend Alex Dampier, who is in hospital in America to undertake a bone marrow transplant, yesterday  sent his thanks to well-wishers.

Many shocked Racers fans have sent best wishes messages on social media to the man affectionately called Damps.

Today’s ice hockey club, Edinburgh Capitals, sent this message:

Everyone here in Edinburgh would like to wish Alex Dampier well in his battle with leukaemia. UK hockey legend, we’re all behind you. pic.twitter.com/LkFQ0FRZbQ

— Edinburgh Capitals (@edcapitals) November 15, 2016

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The 65-year-old from Nipigon, Ontario, Canada, who has been one of the biggest influences in British ice hockey, said on social media: “I’d like to thank everyone for their kind words of encouragement and support it means a lot to our family and will go a long way in helping fight this illness.”

He joined the Murrayfield club as a defenceman and guided them to national success winning a number of top trophies.

Now the popular former Great Britain head coach, who also guided Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers to national honours, is suffering from leukaemia.

He has moved from his home in Thunder Bay, Canada, to hospital in Cleveland, USA.

Richard Stirling, managing director of Murrayfield Ice Rink, said he was bitterly disappointed to hear the news.

He added: “Alex was extremely popular here and we are all hoping he makes a full recovery.

“Naturally, our thoughts are with him and his family.”