At the age of 46, former NHL draft pick and manager of hockey for the Tumbler Ridge Steel Kings passed away on September 28.
His death came as a shock to those who knew him during a career that took him from his native Ontario to play on teams around North America and in the United Kingdom.
“It is with great sadness that the GMHL bids farewell to one of its own with the passing of Andre Payette,” says a note on the GMHL website that was posted after news of his death was announced. “Payette was an OHL standout, an NHL draft pick, and a long-time pro in North America as well as the UK, where he enjoyed legendary status as a player, coach and manager. His love for the game was overshadowed only by his commitment to his players and their development both on and off the ice. His magnetic personality and big laugh will be sorely missed by his colleagues, friends and family, and our prayers are with them all during this difficult time.”
In his memory, honorary jerseys patches will be worn by every team in the GMHL West division.
The league has also announced a tribute game to be played in his honour in the coming weeks.
Payette was beloved by the hockey community in the United Kingdom—who nicknamed him Wild Thing—where he spent twelve years as a player and coach. He was honoured by the Whitley Warriors—where he ended his career as a player—on October 2. “Every now and then a larger-than-life character comes along in the game and Andre was one of these,” said the announcer at the Warriors game. “An enforcer, a hard man and a literal Warrior on the ice but at the same time a gentleman, a family man and father.”
Payette was drafted in 1994 by the Philadelphia Flyers. While he never played in the NHL, he spent years playing as a pro and semi-pro.
In 2004, he moved to England to play for the Coventry Blaze, Newcastle Vipers, Manchester Phoeniz and Sheffield Steeldogs before moving to the Witley Warriors.
“Andre was an entertainer and an inspiration,” said the Warriors announcer. “There will be people in the rink tonight who are here because they’ve been to a game that Andre was playing in and were hooked, whether it was when he was at Newcastle Vipers or when he wore the Maroon and Gold. There are young players coming through the junior system now that took up the game because of his encouragement. And for all of that, we thank him. The outpouring of love for Andre from clubs around the UK and abroad demonstrates the high level of regard that people had for him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
A minute’s applause followed the announcement of his passing.
After the game, Payette’s son Oliver was presented the last stick the he had used when he played for the team.
In Newcastle, Payette is remembered for scoring the goal that tied the game against the Sheffield Steelers, which allowed the team to win the Elite League Playoff Final.
Known as an enforcer, Payette ran up over 3000 penalty minutes during his time in the UK.
He left the UK in 2017, coming back to Canada.
Last year, he took on the co-roles of General Manager and head coach of the Mackenzie Mountaineers.
In July, it was announced that he would be also taking on the role of co-owner and director of Hockey for the newly announced Tumbler Ridge Steel Kings.
While his death puts the team in a bit of a bind, GMHL West’s Executive Director Derek Prou says the team is still aiming for its first game on the weekend of October 21. “We have meetings schedule with ownership over the next week or so,” he says.
Prou says he is still trying to come to terms with “the loss of a good friend and a wonderful Coach and Manager.
“It is obviously unexpected and our prayers are with his family.”
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
