ANDRE Payette’s achievements with Sheffield Steeldogs this season have been recognised after he was named the English Premier League Coach of the Year by Ice Hockey Journalists UK.
 
The 35-year-old Canadian has led Steeldogs to third place in the EPL and to the cup final, where they trail league champions Guildford Flames 6-3 from the first leg, with the return at the Spectrum on Wednesday.
 
Payette made his name as a no-nonsense enforcer with Coventry Blaze, Newcastle Vipers (pictured) and Manchester Phoenix before joining Steeldogs.
 
He took over as coach from Matt Darlow during last season and has transformed the club’s fortunes.
 
Payette said: “It makes me very proud and honoured to have won this award.

“My life is hockey and being a coach as well as still being able to play is kind of like a dream job for me - to win such an award in my first full year as a coach is wonderful.

“It’s more like an award for the whole club because I could not do it without my players and the people who own and run the club - they have both put a lot faith in me and what we are trying to do here.

“Our target was to break into the top six and it looks like we might end up in third. To do that and reach the EPL Cup final is a fantastic achievement.”