Former Ottawa 67’s Coach Vince Malette Remembered Fondly

Vince Malette, a cherished figure in the hockey community and former assistant coach of the Ottawa 67’s, passed away peacefully on the morning of October 25, 2023, at the age of 64. Surrounded by his family, including his wife Joana and daughters Alyssa and Amanda, Malette’s legacy extends beyond his coaching achievements, resonating through the lives he touched.

Malette’s journey in hockey spanned numerous roles, including head coach of the Ontario Hockey League’s Peterborough Petes. His influence was particularly felt during the 1999 Memorial Cup, where he played a pivotal role in the 67’s championship victory. The Ottawa 67’s organization released a statement highlighting Malette’s significant contributions, recalling a memorable moment when he leaped off the bench in celebration after Matt Zultek’s overtime goal against the Calgary Hitmen.

Throughout his career, Malette was known for his warmth and humor. He had a remarkable ability to connect with players, often treating everyone—regardless of their position—with equal respect. “What made Vince a good coach was the way he treated people,” stated former 67’s player Peter Lee, now a consultant with the Berlin Eisbaren. “He felt that everybody was important, and you had to have everybody on board to have success.”

Malette’s coaching journey began with the Ottawa Jr. Senators in the Central Junior Hockey League, where he earned a reputation as one of the league’s winningest coaches. He faced challenges, including being informed of his dismissal via a letter rather than a personal meeting, yet he maintained a sense of humor about the situation, famously quipping he hoped the postman “didn’t ring twice.”

In 2011, Malette received a devastating diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 53. Following the diagnosis, his family chose to share his story to raise awareness about the impact of the disease. Joana Malette expressed her disbelief at the diagnosis in an interview, stating, “This is impossible—you just can’t believe it. He’s so young.”

Despite the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s, Malette remained active and engaged. The family established the Vince Malette Face Off to End Alzheimer’s golf tournament, aimed at supporting local families affected by the disease. This initiative illustrates the family’s commitment to raising awareness and offering assistance to others in similar situations.

Malette’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him. His family paid tribute on social media, stating, “Loving you was the greatest gift of my life. I will miss you more than words can say, and carry you with me always.” They acknowledged the toll Alzheimer’s took on him but emphasized that his love would endure, saying, “You are free now and finally at peace. We love you.”

As the hockey community mourns the loss of Vince Malette, his legacy will be remembered not only for his achievements on the ice but also for his kindness, humor, and the love he shared with his family and friends. Malette’s impact on the sport and the lives of those around him will surely resonate for years to come.