Former Peterborough Petes Head Coach Passes Away At Age 64

Former Peterborough Petes head coach Vince Malette passed away peacefully after an ongoing battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Wednesday.

Facebook, Joana Malette.

He was surrounded by family when he passed away. Malette was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease 11 years ago at the age of 53.

Malette first coached with the Ottawa 67’s from 1994-2006, alongside head coach Brian Kilrea and assistant Bert O’Brien. During that span, he helped the team to a Cup title on home ice in 1999 and an OHL Championship in 2001. He served as head coach of the Petes from 2006-08.

He was a graduate of the CJHL’s Gloucester Rangers and Ottawa Jr. Senators, where he played from 1979 to 1982. He had overseas success as an assistant coach with the Berlin Polar Bears of the DEL from 2010-15, winning league championships in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

His wife Joana Malotte, made the following statement on her Facebook regarding her husband’s passing:

“My love, I will miss you more than words can say, and a piece of my heart will forever belong to you. Loving you was the greatest gift I was ever given, and I will carry you with me always. I will never forget the joy, laughter, and love you brought into our lives. I love you so much; we love you so much, and you were so deeply loved. Alzheimer's took so much from you, but it can take nothing more. You are free now, free from the disease, and finally at peace. I love you.”

Along with his wife, Malotte leaves behind his daughters Alyssa and Amanda.

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