2006

91 Paul Adey

Paul Adey's long and distinguished career in Britain was spent almost entirely with Nottingham Panthers where he is their all-time leading points scorer.

He joined the club in season 1988-89 and, as their top marksman, he led them to their finest hour of the modern era, the Heineken British Championships at Wembley Arena. In his eleven seasons in the black-and-gold he tallied 801 goals and 1,547 points in 626 official games. He went on to win four Autumn Cups with the Panthers.

Paul was born in Montreal, Canada on 28 August 1963. He arrived in Nottingham after attending a training camp for the NHL's Hartford Whalers. He had been selected to play for the Canadian Olympic team but was sidelined with an injury.

Canada’s loss was Britain’s gain as he became a valued member of the GB national team for six years from 1995, ending as their fifth highest scorer in the sport’s modern era with 52 points (28 goals) in 55 games.

He topped the scoring in three major internationals - the Olympic Qualifiers in 1995-96 and 2000, and the 1996 World Championships. He was runner-up in three later World tournaments.

Adey went to Italy for the 1999-2000 season to play for Milan before returning to the UK and spending his final playing season with Panthers’ arch-rivals, Sheffield Steelers.

He was back on Lower Parliament Street the following year as coach of the Panthers, and led them to a Challenge Cup victory over the Steelers in their first Elite League campaign. He also took Panthers to six semi-finals in his three seasons behind the bench. The club have honoured Adey’s achievements and loyalty by raising his no. 22 shirt to the rafters of the National Ice Centre. The tribute to him on their website reads: 'He is and will always be one of the all-time great Nottingham Panthers.'

Compiled with research, provided by Stewart Roberts April 2006.