Scottish ice hockey legend and ex-Falkirk Lion Johnny Carlyle

One of Scotland’s greatest ever ice hockey players, Johnny Carlyle, a member of the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame, has died aged 87.

The former Falkirk Lions and Edinburgh Royals star also iced for leading British sides including Harringay Racers, Nottingham Panthers and Brighton Tigers.

Willie Clark, who was coached by Carlyle at Edinburgh Royals and Murrayfield Racers, said his passing was a sad loss.

Clark, a netminder, recalled that Carlyle was instrumental in bringing through a host of local young talent including Derek Reilly and Gordon Inglis.

Clark, who is also in the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame, said: “I’m lost for words. Johnny was different class and his record is second to none. He led by example.”

The Falkirk-born forward and defenceman learned to skate at his local rink and made his senior debut with the Lions aged 17.

Carlyle helped his team win three Scottish National League play-off series before the club folded in 1955.

He also iced in Britain’s side in the World Championships in 1950 and 1951.

Carlyle joined Harringay Racers in the British National League for the 1955–56 season and became captain.

He then signed for Edinburgh Royals but they failed to see out the season and Carlyle finished the campaign playing for Nottingham Panthers. The following season was the last of the British National League and Carlyle iced with the Brighton Tigers.

Carlyle also coached Edinburgh Royals, Murrayfield Racers and Brighton Tigers.

He was player-coach for Great Britain at the World Championships, with the team finishing runners-up to Norway on goal difference.

Carlyle, who lived in Falkirk, retired from the game in 1973.

Johnny Carlyle is in the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.