FORMER Edinburgh Capitals ice hockey player Rob Trumbley has passed away aged just 50.
The Canadian played for Edinburgh between 2001 and 2002, scoring 13 goals in the British National League (BNL).
His death was reportedly caused by complications from repeated head injuries, and an ongoing battle with mental illness.
Many are paying tribute to the player, who was described as a “quiet leader”.
The Edinburgh Capitals social media account posted about Trumbley’s death today, saying: “It’s with great sadness we have heard of the passing of former Edinburgh Capital Rob Trumbley.
“Trummer iced with the club back in season 2001-2002 in the BNL.
“In 32 games he scored 13 goals, 26 assists for 39 points picking up 105 penalty minutes.
“Rob played a physical game and although not the tallest he was never afraid to drop the gloves with any enforcers he came up against.
“A true warrior on the ice and a great human being off it.
“Our thoughts are with Rob’s family and friends at this time.
“RIP Trummer”.
Rob played for Edinburgh in the BNL, as well as Manchester, Newcastle, Ayr, and Hull.
The Canadian athlete began his career playing for the Regina Pat Canadians in the American Hockey League (AHL) aged only 17.
He came to the UK to play for the Newcastle Cobras in 1997, playing 38 games with them before moving to the Newcastle Riverkings.
He eventually transferred to the Edinburgh Capitals in 2001 and later played for the Ayr Scottish Eagles.
Rob’s sister, Lisa Degelman, shared the news on social media yesterday, saying: “It is with gut wrenching sadness that I let the world know we lost Rob on January 13.
“I know with all of my being he is no longer suffering, is pain-free and can now find some peace.
“Rob was a man of very few words, he was a quiet leader, he had integrity, he never spoke ill will about anyone, ever.
“He loved his nieces and nephews. He loved me, my mom, dad and Jay. He loved Jenn and her entire family. But he lived for his three beautiful children Dylan, Eden and Esme.
“He was so incredibly, yet quietly, proud.
“But, at the end the pain, coupled with CTE, PCS, mental illness and everyday hardships were just too much to bear.”
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain condition linked to repeated head injuries, that causes changes in behaviour and in some cases, dementia.
Rob suffered from CTE as well as post-concussion syndrome (PCS), which also occurs after head injuries.
