Whitley Warriors with Andre Payette's son Oliver. Photo courtesy of Jemma Abel.
Tonight at the game, Whitley Warriors paid tribute to their former teammate, Andre Payette, who sadly passed away last week.
The ice hockey world was saddened this week to hear of the passing of Andre Payette. Every now and then a larger-than-life character comes along in the game and Andre was one of these. An enforcer, a hard man and a literal Warrior on the ice but at the same time a gentleman, a family man and father.
Andre was drafted 244th overall by Philadelphia Flyers in 1994 and played at the highest level in the UK after moving here 10 years later, icing first for Coventry Blaze before moving to Newcastle Vipers, Manchester Phoenix, Sheffield Steeldogs and finally, Whitley Warriors. His last role was General Manager and Head Coach at Mackenzie Mountaineers in British Columbia.
Andre was an entertainer and an inspiration. 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 for Andre followed.
After the game, Andre’s son Oliver was presented by Warriors captain Dean Holland with the last stick that Andre used at Warriors.
RIP Wild Thing.