Club shocked by manager’s sad death
London Raiders have been rocked by the sad passing of team manager Mick Cahill.
A statement released on Twitter last night said: “We are deeply saddened to share the news that Raiders team manager Mick Cahill has passed away after a lengthy battle that kept him away form hockey a lot last season.
“Our sympathies & thoughts are with Jo, Georgia & Dominic and the rest of his family and friends. RIP Mick, a true Raiders always.”
Former club owner John Scott added his own heartfelt tribute on The Hockey Forum, saying: “As many of you will be aware our mutual friend Mick Cahill has been going through a troubled time recently with ill health leading to stomach treatment and more recently heart surgery. The fact that he has missed so much hockey in recent months is an enormous indicator of how serious his various conditions have been.
“I am deeply, deeply saddened to reveal to you that after some complications yesterday (Wednesday 6th August) Mick lost his lengthy fight and passed away.
“We will all have our own fond and often humorous memories of Mick, and recall times where he has offered sound advice and a comical tale.
“A great friend to those in the hockey community, and a wonderful family guy and we can barely comprehend the loss to wife Joanne, and Georgia and Dominic.
“My words cannot convey the depth of sorrow the Hockey community and in particular Romford / London will be feeling right now. Mick would have managed it with his finely chosen expressions and his knack of saying and doing the right thing at the right time.
“Sleep well our dear friend. You will be sorely missed.”
The news was greeted with widespread shock among the British ice hockey fraternity, with messages of condolence appearing online.
Raiders forward AJ Smith said: “Absolutely guted when I heard the news of Micks passing, such a genuine and all round great guy, thoughts are with his family.
“When I first signed for the Raiders Mick immediately went out of his way to make me feel welcome and a part of the club and I will miss him.”
Defenceman David Oliver added: “RIP Mick! A great man who loved his club. Everything we do this season will be for you! Sleep well Mick!”
Ex-Raider Jason Buckman said: “Can’t believe what I’ve just heard! Thoughts are with the Cahill family! RIP Mick @MickCahill54”.
Another former player Euan King added: “Rip to Mick Cahill, a great ice hockey man who I have a great deal of respect for. The hockey world is a lesser place without him around.”
Finnish import Timo Kauhanen said on Facebook: “Very sad news indeed. Mick was a great friend of mine, a fantastic team manager already when I played for Romford and a real gentleman in all possible ways. My deepest sympathies to Mick’s family. RIP Mick.”
Slovakian hot-shot Juraj Huska tweeted: “Rip Mick Cahill great ice hockey man” and supporters also voiced their shock.
Dave Lambert said: “Horrible news to come home to. Found Mick Cahill to be a real gent and as passionate about hockey as they come. A true Raider. Tragic.”
Mel Treagust said: “Such sad news – RIP Mick Cahill, you were the backbone of the Raiders & we will all miss you so much!”
Another said: “Terrible news. A huge loss to family, Raiders and hockey generally. A stalwart of the game. Every time you heard Raiders were in trouble, you just knew Mick would be there in the background helping to sort things out. Rest in peace, Mick.”
Rival clubs also shared their condolences on the social media site.
Bracknell Hornets tweeted: “Hornets players, management & fans send sincere condolences to family, friends & all at @LonRaiders_IHC following sad loss of Mick Cahill.
“Mick was a huge legend at Romford & @LonRaiders_IHC and a good friend to a number of us in Bracknell. He will be sorely missed.”
Streatham Redskins said: “All at Streatham are sad to hear of the passing of Romford legend Mick Cahill, a respected man in hockey #RIP”.
More tributes will surely follow for a great club stalwart and servant who was much respected through ice hockey in this country.
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