Canadian field hockey community mourns loss of Graeme Carswell

February 17, 2016 | Shaheed Devji | fieldhockey.ca

It is with great sadness that Field Hockey Canada joins the Canadian field hockey community in mourning the loss of former Men’s National Program athlete Graeme Carswell.

The 21 year-old native of Tsawwassen, British Columbia lost his life on Sunday after a fishing accident at the Chilliwack River.

A former member of the Canadian Under-21 Junior National Team, Carswell had also played local club hockey for Detla and West Vancouver with many athletes who have played and currently play for Canada’s National Teams.

He recently returned from playing club hockey in the Netherlands. Carswell was also a member of the University of Victoria Vikes field hockey team.

“Over the last month I have enjoyed watching Graeme come to our club and start loving hockey again,” says Rob Short, a former Canadian National Team player and captain and member of the West Vancouver Premier Men’s Team. “He was playing the best hockey of his life. Tonight I felt the true feeling of how important my club is to me.”

Athletes and staff at Field Hockey Canada offers our deepest condolences and prayers to the Carswell family during this difficult time.

Social media tributes:

The Canadian hockey community lost a legendary person, and the @wvfhc #Millionaires lost an even better teammate this week. Gone way too soon. Senseless accident. You will be missed bro, it was fun playing beside you. The Millionaires boys will be playing the rest of this season out with you on our shoulders. Our sincerest condolences to your family and friends. Rest easy. #hockeycommunity #legend #gteam #falcons ・・・ #latergram Looking forward to a good season in #holland with the twig from @fieldhockeyshack #gryphon #1stklasse @gryphonlife

A photo posted by Field Hockey Shack (@fieldhockeyshack) on Feb 16, 2016 at 7:35pm PST

All smiles after a clutch win for the Delhi boys but played with a black armband and a heavy heart tonight. Sending thoughts back to Tsawwassen and the whole Carswell family. RIP buddy.

A photo posted by Mark Pearson (@markajp19) on Feb 17, 2016 at 6:37am PST

Dark few days for the hockey community in Canada. Rest in peace Graeme. fieldhockeyshack's photo https://t.co/FHFxwK6LDR

— Scott Tupper (@tups4) February 17, 2016

In memory of Graeme Carswell
(10-03-1994 / 14-02-2016)

It is with great sadness that we have to inform you… https://t.co/nX8KOxI60E

— MHC Amstelveen (@mhc_amstelveen) February 16, 2016

https://twitter.com/brendanw7/status/699408480273199106