OHL mourns the loss of Vince Malette
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is saddened by news of the loss of former Ottawa 67’s and Peterborough Petes coach Vince Malette, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning surrounded by family at the age of 64. It marks the end of a lengthy battle for Malette, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers disease 11 years ago at the age of 53.
Malette was a fixture behind the 67’s bench from 1994-2006, serving alongside legendary head coach Brian Kilrea and fellow assistant Bert O’Brien. During that span, he helped guide the club to a Memorial Cup title on home ice in 1999 and an OHL Championship in 2001. He contributed to the development of prominent names such as Brian Campbell, Nick Boynton, Mark Bell, Alyn McCauley and Corey Locke along the way. Following his tenure in the nation’s capital, Malette served as head coach of the Peterborough Petes from 2006-08.
A graduate of the CJHL’s Gloucester Rangers and Ottawa Jr. Senators where he played from 1979-82, Malette would later enjoy success overseas. He served as an assistant coach with the Berlin Polar Bears of the DEL from 2010-15, winning league championships in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
“What made Vince a good coach was the way he treated people. Everybody was important to him,” said Peter Lee, a legendary former 67’s player who is now a consultant with Malette’s former pro club in Berlin.
“Sometimes people would get caught up with the superstars and only worry about them,” Lee told Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen. “Not Vince; he treated everybody the same, whether you were a first-liner or a fourth-liner. He felt that everybody was important, and you had to have everybody on board to have success.
“This is a tough day.”
Malette leaves behind his wife Joana, along with daughters Alyssa and Amanda. The OHL sends thoughts and condolences to Vince’s family and friends.
Loving you was the greatest gift of my life. I will miss you more than words can say and carry you with me always. Alzheimer’s took so much, but it cannot take your love. You are free now and finally at peace. We love you 🕊️
❤️ Posted with love by his family pic.twitter.com/adGOJz4vMA
— Malette family for Vince Malette (@Vincehockey) February 11, 2026
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