Former OHL draft pick, one of Great Britain's top prospects passes away at 20
Some sad news to pass along in the hockey world on Monday as former Niagara IceDogs draft pick and one of Great Britain's top prospects, Alex Graham, has passed away at the age of 20.
Everyone at the club is heartbroken by the news and wish to pass on our thoughts and condolences to Alex's family, friends and teammates.
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's EIHL team, the Sheffield Steelers said in a statement.
Graham was selected 105th overall by the Ontario Hockey League's Niagara IceDogs in the 2021 CHL Import Draft. He signed with the team just a few months later, but ultimately never suited up for the IceDogs due to the CHL's rule of only being allowed to have two import players in your lineup as Niagara signed Danil Gushchin. Graham decided to return to England and played for the Sheffield Steelers once again.
The Sheffield native was widely regarded as one of top prospects in all of British hockey alongside Arizona Coyotes prospect Liam Kirk, University of Alaska-Fairbanks forward Cade Neilson and Cornell University defenceman Liam Steele.
This past season, Graham appeared in 15 games for the Steelers, recording five points (one goal, four assists), four penalty minutes and was a plus-five.
Our thoughts are with Graham's family and friends at this difficult time.
