Andre Payette, a hockey icon for the Newcastle Vipers and the North-East, passed away at age 46. In the Elite League play-off final versus Sheffield Steelers, Payette memorably scored the Vipers’ game-tying goal to help Newcastle win the competition.
Following the Canadian’s passing, tributes from all across the sporting world have been pouring in. Payette, the Mackenzie Mountaineers’ coach, just moved back to the United States to start over.
Andre Payette passed away today, and one of his former teams, the Whitley Warriors, released the following statement: “Warriors are saddened to learn of his passing. Andre was a dedicated servant to ice hockey and his unique brand entertained and inspired many. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time. RIP Wild Thing.”
Today, Coventry Blaze, another of his former organisations, released the following statement: “Everyone at Coventry Blaze is devastated to learn of the demise of former player Andre Payette.
“Andre was found dead on Wednesday 28th September at the age of 46.”
