Andre Payette, a former forward for the Coventry Blaze, Newcastle Vipers, Manchester Phoenix, Sheffield Steeldogs, and Whitley Warriors, has died aged 46.
The Canadian was an integral member of Coventry’s grand slam-winning roster of 2004-05, recording 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) and 194 penalty minutes in 28 regular-season appearances for the Blaze.
Payette’s championship success continued in the following season, when he secured his second Elite League Playoff title with the Vipers.
In the second half of his career, he accepted coaching and commercial positions with the Steeldogs, Hull Pirates, Fox Creek Ice Kings, Mackenzie Mountaineers, and Team GB’s under-20s.
Payette was selected 244th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1994 NHL Draft and later won the American Hockey League’s Calder Cup with the Philadelphia Phantoms.
Hockey unites to remember Andre Payette
The hockey community has united to remember a legend of the domestic game.
In a statement, the Blaze wrote: “Everyone at the Coventry Blaze is saddened to hear of the passing of former player Andre Payette… Payette maintained many close connections to the Blaze, and our thoughts are with son Oliver, the rest of his family and many friends at this very sad time.”
In a social media post, the Steeldogs promised to pay tribute to Payette during their home fixture versus the Bristol Pitbulls on Sunday [2 October].
In Whitley, the Warriors added: “Andre was a dedicated servant to ice hockey and his unique brand entertained and inspired many. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. RIP Wild Thing.”
A View From The Bridge, the official podcast of the Belfast Giants, called the Cornwall, Ontario-born forward “one of the nicest, charismatic guys off the ice.”
Very sad reports on the passing of Andre Payette.
A true character of the EIHL.
An EIHL League, Cup and Playoff Champion.
A Calder Cup winner.
And one of the nicest, charismatic guys off the ice.
So often a thorn in the side of the Belfast Giants.
RIP Wildthing pic.twitter.com/G4TjyqRr14
— A View From The Bridge (@AVFTB) September 28, 2022
Ice Hockey UK called Payette a “huge character,” while the Hull Seahawks thanked the prolific enforcer for helping to bring hockey back to the city.
The Hull Seahawks are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Andre Payette this evening.
Many won’t know that Andre helped to get the Seahawks going again behind the scenes.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this extremely upsetting time.
R.I.P Andre 🖤 pic.twitter.com/lw02lbckAD
— Hull Seahawks (@hullseahawks) September 28, 2022
