Newcastle Vipers and North-East ice hockey legend Andre Payette has died aged 46. Payette famously scored the Vipers game-tying goal in the Elite League play off final against Sheffield Steelers as Newcastle brought silverware to the region.
Tributes from around the sporting world have been flooding in following the passing of the Canadian. Payette recently returned to North America to rebuild his life and was coach of Mackenzie Mountaineers.
A statement from one of his old clubs Whitley Warriors read today: "Warriors are saddened to learn of the passing of Andre Payette. 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."
Another of his former clubs Coventry Blaze said today: "Everyone at the Coventry Blaze is saddened to hear of the passing of former player Andre Payette.
"Andre was found dead on Wednesday 28th September at the age of 46."
Payette - nicknamed the Wild Thing - would get fans off their seats at the Newcastle Arena as he went toe to toe with hockey's enforcers. But he was also a massive character off the ice too. He clocked up 3,000 penalty minutes during his career.
Payette graduated from Sault-Ste Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League, where he iced alongside the NHL's Most Valuable Player Joe Thornton, before going on to play in the American Hockey League for Philadelphia Phantoms, Manchester Monarchs and St John's Maple Leafs.
In the UK he played for Sheffield Steeldogs and worked off the ice before returning to his native Canada.
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