The team-mates of Isle of Wight-born semi-professional hockey player Aidan Doughty are rallying around for him by setting up a fundraising page after he suffered serious injury during a match for Basingstoke Bison at the weekend.

Bison's top British goalscorer of last season — affectionately known as 'Doughts' — suffered a serious injury while playing against the Telford Tigers in the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) on Saturday night.

A Ryde resident and key player for 'The Herd', now into his second season with the Hampshire club, the 26-year-old took an awkward hit into the boards, which fractured his spine. 

The forward, who played junior hockey on the Island, making his senior debut for the Wightlink Raiders in 2011, is set to undergo emergency surgery to save his promising career in the NIHL's second tier. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Aidan Doughty (on right-hand post) in action for the Basingstoke Bisons.Aidan Doughty (on right-hand post) in action for the Basingstoke Bisons. (Image: Joe Loat)

With a long road of recovery ahead, Bison team-mates have been rallying around to support him financially, by setting up a GoFundMe account, to encourage Bison fans and wellwishers from the Island and beyond, to give generously. 

At the time of this story going on the County Press website, the £4,000 cash target was smashed, incredibly hitting almost £11,000.

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.

Aidan then suited up for a season in Streatham, followed by two years in Bracknell, where he scored 17 and 15 times respectively.

Isle of Wight County Press: Aidan Doughty, of the Basingstoke Bisons.Aidan Doughty, of the Basingstoke Bisons. (Image: Joe Loat)

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

Aidan earned himself another Bison's contract after he made himself an important member of the team's powerplay unit last season — and is obviously very highly thought of at Basingstoke. 

One of his team-mates to set up the GoFundMe page for Aidan, said: "In typical Doughts fashion he is in good spirits — making jokes and remaining positive.

"However, as a self-employed electrician, there will be no income for him in the foreseeable future. 

"We are very aware this is a difficult time to ask anyone to dig into their pockets. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Aidan Doughty, first left, celebrates a goal for the Basingstoke Bisons.Aidan Doughty, first left, celebrates a goal for the Basingstoke Bisons. (Image: Joe Loat)

"But with the cost of living as it is and the prospect of not working for some time, we created the GoFundMe page to help take the pressure off him. 

"We are asking for any donation possible — big or small — it would be incredibly appreciated and will go a long way to give Doughts some peace of mind as he focusses on his recovery. 

"We'll do all we can to support Doughts.We're desperate to have him back on the ice with us as soon as possible."

The County Press wishes Aidan well in his recovery.

To support Aidan, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/doughtys-road-to-recovery