British ice hockey team the Sheffield Steelers announced the tragic death of their young player, Alex Graham, over the past weekend. The team is said to be "heartbroken" over the news about the promising talent who was just 20.
"The Steelers are devastated to advise that Alex Graham sadly passed away this weekend," the team shared in an official statement. "The entire Steelers' community, deeply saddened by this news, sends its heartfelt condolences to Alex’s family, friends, and teammates."
The statement went on: "Everyone at the club is heartbroken by the news. It would be appreciated if Alex's family could be provided time and space to take in the enormity of this tragic situation in the days ahead.
"Graham, 20, had only recently signed his first professional contract with the Steelers after making 81 appearances since his debut in 2019 and was regarded as an outstanding talent about to make his mark on the professional game. The club will be making no further comment at this time."
Born in Sheffield, UK, Alex had just recently signed his first professional contract with his hometown club, the Steelers, in May. Since his promising debut in 2019, Graham had played in 81 games, establishing himself as an "outstanding talent about to make his mark on the professional game," as per the team.
The Sheffield Steelers wrapped up their 2022-23 season in April, reaching the semi-finals of the Elite Ice Hockey League playoffs. The league expressed deep sorrow at Graham's untimely death, referring to it as "deeply sad news."
A wave of condolences flooded social media as players and teams across the league expressed their grief. Former Steelers player Liam Kirk reminisced, "Forever in our hearts brother. You were loved by so many. The memories made and the laughs shared will be cherished forever."
Anthony DeLuca from the Manchester Storm noted the difficulty in coming to terms with this tragic news, while emphasizing that Graham would be "deeply missed."
His fellow Storm player, Zach Sullivan, also expressed sorrow, tweeting, "You'll be missed by so many." NHL prospect reporter Scott Wheeler highlighted Graham's potential by stating he “was one of the very best young players in the UK."
Graham had proudly represented Great Britain at the Under-18s and Under-20s national teams. He was a part of Britain's silver medal-winning team at the 2020 Under-20 World Championships in Lithuania, contributing four goals and three assists. He further showcased his talent at the 2022 Under-20 World Championship tournament in Romania, helping Britain clinch a bronze medal.
Ice Hockey UK lamented, "The news has come as a huge shock to everyone in UK ice hockey, including all of his teammates," adding that their thoughts were with everyone impacted by this devastating news.
Further details about Graham's passing were not available at the time of the announcement. In the meantime, the Steelers appealed for privacy for Alex's grieving family, saying, "It would be appreciated if Alex's family could be provided time and space to take in the enormity of this tragic situation in the days ahead."