Alex Graham - Once a Bulldog Always a Bulldog

TRAGEDY: Alex Graham, in action for the Bulldogs when aged 15. Picture courtesy of Andy Bourke/Podium Prints.

BRADFORD BULLDOGS players, coaches and club members have been left devastated by the news that one of our former pups Alex Graham tragically died at the weekend.

Alex was found dead aged just 20. His awful passing comes just a few weeks after he had signed a full-time contract with the Elite League’s Sheffield Steelers.

Of course, Alex spent a good part of his junior career with the Bulldogs and is fondly remembered by those who played and trained alongside him, as well as the coaches who helped make him the player he was. 

Bulldogs’ head coach Andy Brown said Alex’s unexpected death was overwhelmingly heartbreaking for all those who knew him, especially his immediate family and loved ones.  

Alex played with Bradford between 2015-2018, a time fondly remembered by Andy before the youngster headed back to his hometown of Sheffield where he would go on to play for both the Steeldogs and Steelers.

“Alex was a special talent, the like we rarely see in British ice hockey and I’m so pleased that I had the chance to get to know him as a kid and work with him as a coach,” said Andy..

“He could do anything he wanted on the ice and I believe he was destined to go on and be one of the best players this country has ever produced - he was that good.

“But we’re not just talking about Alex as a hockey player, we’re talking about a young life being cut tragically short. He was in his prime with everything to look forward to in life - on and off the ice.

“I used to call him Albert, he used to call me Raymond - I honestly can’t remember why, it was just one of those stupid things that you do and that just seems to stick.

“I kept an eye on his career after he went back to Sheffield but I will always fondly remember the fun times we had with him here in Bradford.

“Yes, he had a way of winding people up sometimes, but that was part of who Alex was. He wasn’t perfect, but then who is? 

“But he was a special talent, a special individual and this utter tragedy just leaves such a massive hole in so many peoples lives. It’s just awful and our hearts go out to his parents and his family.”

Pictures courtesy of Andy Bourke/Podium Prints.