BASINGSTOKE Bison hockey star Aidan Doughty has set himself a target of getting back on the ice for the start of next season after he suffered a serious spinal injury.
The 27-year-old self-employed electrician, who lives in Newport, Isle of Wight, was playing for Bison against the Telford Tigers in the National Ice Hockey League, when he suffered the freak injury in January.
Bison's top goalscorer last season, affectionately known as 'Doughts', fractured his L3 lumbar bone after he fell awkwardly into the boards surrounding the ice.
It required emergency bilateral fixation surgery six weeks ago.
With a long road of recovery ahead, team-mates, led by Brendan Baird rallied around to support Aidan financially, by setting up a GoFundMe account, to encourage Bisons fans and wellwishers from the Island and beyond, to give generously.
Incredibly, the fundraiser's total has now reached almost £13,900 — vital cash for a key player for Bison, who was into his second season at the club.
The original cash target was £4,000.
"I'm over the moon with the amount raised and I can't thank everyone enough. It's helped me through some really tough times," said Aidan.
"I just want to thank everyone who's sent donations and said their kind words in messages. It really does go a long way."
Aidan, who plays ice hockey semi-professionally, is chomping at the bit to get back on the ice, but knows there is work to be done on his rehabilitation.
He is getting physio support on the Island through the RMA Sports Clinic in Newport.
Aidan's progress is going so well, he is "moving about like nothing has happened", without the use of a wheelchair or crutches.
"It's been six weeks now since the operation. I've been seeing a physio weekly and my progress has gone through the roof, thanks to Jake (Brougham) at RMA," added Aidan.
"I hope to get back on the ice as soon as possible — the start of next season is my aim.
"The injury hasn't scared me to get on the ice at all. In fact, it has made me more determined than ever to come back.
"It's obviously in the back of my mind how it will affect me going back on the ice, but I use that as motivation."
Growing up, Aidan lived in Ryde and attended Sandown High School.
He played junior hockey on the Island, making his senior debut for the Wightlink Raiders in 2011.
From 2013, Aidan spent three years in the United States playing for Colorado clubs, before returning to the Raiders but, when Ryde Arena closed in 2016, he moved to Gosport's Solent Devils.
He also played for Streatham and Bracknell, during which time he was once named in the NIHL's all-star team.
Aidan earned a second Bisons' contract was an important part of their powerplay unit last season.
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