Ice Hockey UK and everyone involved in Great Britain ice hockey would like to send our thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Andre Payette who passed away this week.
Payette is a former GB U20s coach and was a huge character in the game in the UK for many years.
Born in Cornwall in Ontario, Canada, Payette was selected in the the 10th round of the NHL Draft in 1994 by Philadelphia Flyers.
He spent much of his early career in the highly-rated American Hockey League and won the Calder Cup in 1997-98 with Philadelphia Phantoms.
He moved to the UK in 2004-05 and was part of the Coventry Blaze Grand Slam roster.
Payette went on to ice with Newcastle Vipers and Manchester Phoenix, before taking on a player-coach role with Sheffield Steeldogs.
His presence in UK ice hockey will never be forgotten. RIP Andre.