Niagara IceDogs coach-GM Marty Williamson in intensive care

Journalistic detachment goes out the window with a serious health matter, so it would be remiss to overlook that Niagara IceDogs coach-GM Marty Williamson has had a setback since having heart surgery on May 13.

On Thursday, the Ontario Hockey League club issue a release stating that Williamson, whose procedure took about six hours, "has had a tough week and had to be transported back to the hospital in Toronto by ambulance, where he is currently in ICU [intensive care unit]." It goes without saying that is scary news for the bench boss and his family, whom initailly was reported to be sitting up and walking only four days after surgery.

The IceDogs, who lost to eventual OHL champion Oshawa in the second round of the playoffs after Williamson's heart problem came to light, are gathering signatures on a card they plan to deliver to the 52-year-old coach. The team is also forwarding get-well messages. While no one knows for sure what tangible benefit that offers, every little bit helps.

Williamson is among the most affable and engaging coaches one is ever likely to meet in major junior hockey, or any at any high echelon of hockey, really. Just before Williamson was sidelined, the franchise made a touching gesture by choosing 16-year-old stroke survivor Ben Fox in the OHL priority selection. There ought to be some karma there.

One would hope that Williamson makes a full recovery and returns to work when the time is right, whenever that time comes. The heart is a muscle; like any muscle, it takes time to be rebuilt.

Neate Sager is a writer for Yahoo! Canada Sports. Follow him on Twitter @neatebuzzthenet.