A BISON player who fractured his spine during an ice hockey game at Planet Ice is ‘on the road to recovery’ following an operation on his back.

As previously reported, Aidan Doughty, affectionately known as ‘Doughts’, was playing for Basingstoke Bison against Telford Tigers at the Leisure Park ice rink on Saturday, January 14 when he fell, suffering serious injuries.

The 26-year-old key player for The Herd’ who is now into his second season with the Basingstoke club, took an awkward hit into the boards, which fractured his spine.

READ MORE: Thousands raised for Basingstoke Bison player who broke his back during game at Planet Ice

Spectators at the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) game watched as the player, who was the Bison’s top British goal scorer last season, was carried off on a stretcher following the accident.

A GoFundMe page set up to support the ice hockey player while he is not able to work raised an incredible £13,300 in less than a week.

In an update posted on the fundraising page, Aidan’s father Geoff thanked the “whole hockey community” for their support.

He said Aidan had a successful operation to repair his broken back and is “on the road to recovery”.

He added: “On behalf of myself and Aidan’s family I would like to offer my utmost thanks to the whole hockey community who have sent their best wishes and blessings to Aidan since his injury occurred on Saturday.

“As you can imagine the last few days have been unbelievably stressful and worrying for us all.

“Thankfully Aidan had a successful operation to repair his broken back and is already on the road to recovery.”

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Geoff said the response to the fundraiser had left him “lost for words” adding: “I cannot thank you all individually but would like to say that I am truly indebted to each and every one of you.”

He said his son was also “completely overwhelmed by the support shown to him” and said he is in “good spirits” following the surgery. 

The fund was set up for Aidan, who is a self-employed electrician, to take the pressure off while he is unable to work.

He is now beginning physical therapy.

Geoff said his son has a “long road to recovery” ahead, adding: “We cannot believe the response to the go fund me, and it has completely surpassed our expectations. We honestly can’t thank you enough.

“Any more donations would of course be so appreciated to ensure Aidan can get the best support with his recovery.”

Aidan, a forward who played junior hockey on the Isle of Wight, made his senior debut for the Wightlink Raiders in 2011.

From 2013, Aidan spent three years in the United States playing for Colorado clubs in the Western States Hockey League, before returning to the Raiders.

But when the Ryde Arena ice rink closed in 2016, he moved to Gosport's Solent Devils.

He was once named in the NIHL's all-star team.

Aidan earned himself another Bison contract after he made himself an important member of the team's powerplay unit last season.