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Post by carolle on Jan 28, 2008 13:06:51 GMT
As many of you may know Andy Smith the goal judge had recently had surgery.
Unfortunately he took a turn for the worse on Saturday and I`m very sorry to say that he has died.
It has come as a great shock to everyone who knew him and he will be missed by everyone involved in hockey not only in Nottingham but all over the country by the many friends he has made.
Not only was he a goal judge for the Panthers but he also helped out with the juniors when needed.
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Post by NickThePanther44 on Jan 28, 2008 13:07:39 GMT
Very sorry to hear that, thoughts go out to his family and friends
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Post by mattscold on Jan 28, 2008 13:30:06 GMT
Thoughts go out to the whole family, very sorry to hear this news!
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Gilly
Ashley Tait
Posts: 1,870
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Post by Gilly on Jan 28, 2008 13:30:11 GMT
R.I.P Andy
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Milkman™
Les Strongman
Always Delivers
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Post by Milkman™ on Jan 28, 2008 13:31:42 GMT
I spent many an enjoyable period break in Andy's company, a real nice bloke who loved his hockey and the Nottingham Panthers.
We would joke about him being the most photographed person at the Panthers organisation, as he was in most goal pictures I took.
All the best Mister, my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very sad time
Chris
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jan 28, 2008 13:59:23 GMT
I first met Andy on an away trip to Streatham in 1981 and we hit it off straight away. We spent many an hour in the early 80s pounding the road, drinking lots of beer and singing lots of songs. Most of the time Panthers got hammered, and so did we.
We worked together as off-ice officials for 24 years, not just at Panthers, but at championships, cup finals and internationals. He knew his job and wasn't afraid to make the right decision, sometimes to the annoyance of players, home or away.
Above all he was a top top bloke and probably my best mate in hockey. Right now I'm devastated by what's happened.
Love to all the family.
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brads
Jade Galbraith
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Post by brads on Jan 28, 2008 14:09:04 GMT
My thoughts go out to Andy's family. I remember Andy from back in the old stadium days and more recently. He has been the "stripey" pressing the goal judge button every since I can remember. He used to remind me that he was one of the off ice officials when I played for the Nottingham Cougars (Under 16's) back in 1989 at the Wembley Arena when we beat Fife 3-1 to win the British Championship.
A very sad day for all he knew him - RIP Andy.
Matt Bradbury on behalf of National Ice Centre
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MP
Paul Adey
Hail hurts and rain is cold. Summer in the mountains
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Post by MP on Jan 28, 2008 14:13:54 GMT
Very sad news - Andy will be missed around the arena and in the hockey world at large.
Condolences to his family from everyone involved with the Cage.
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Post by heatley on Jan 28, 2008 14:19:18 GMT
I am both shocked & deeply saddened. My thoughts, love, sympathy & prayers are with his family & friends.
I didn't know Andy very well, but i knew him to say ''hello'' too & he seemed a bloody good & decent chap. I mainly knew him through my time as PAWS, when we'd meet up at the back door to the NIC, during period breaks. He'd always have an opinion on something & it was usually VERY funny. he made me laugh, & he made me smile - I will miss him. I last saw Andy immediatley after his surgery, through actually working here at the QMC Operating theatres - whilst he was in pain, he seemed to be doing well, so this has knocked the (ample) stuffing out of me.
Love & thoughts with his nearest & dearest. I hope Panthers MORE than blow a horn for the guy.
R.I.P mate.
Tony Pearce
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Post by spik on Jan 28, 2008 14:31:02 GMT
Not someone you'd come across normally now days as he was 'downstairs' as it were.
Though I am another here who had known Andy more personally from the old days, travelling etc..
Didn't expect this to be the news from the thread like many others. Will remember the laughs from the past though.
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Post by lukethomas on Jan 28, 2008 15:10:22 GMT
RIP Andy, you will be missed.
Im truely shocked at the news as well. Like Tony said above, although in pain after surgery it seemed all had gone well. Last time I saw him he was still laughing and joking, asking how my hockey was going etc. Hadnt known him long, but will miss him all the same. My thoughts go out to Fran and the rest of the family. xxx
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Shaggy
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Post by Shaggy on Jan 28, 2008 15:26:39 GMT
I didn't know Andy very well - not at all from the Panthers, mainly from bumping into him in the Olympic Rink. Nice bloke, a true stalwart of Nottingham ice hockey. From what I saw, he had loads of friends - and that's the truest test of anyone. RIP Andy...
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Post by KimThePanther on Jan 28, 2008 15:35:18 GMT
Thoughts and prayers to his friend's and family during this difficult time.
RIP.
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suzyq
Pat Casey
"Drink up me hearties..YO HO"
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Post by suzyq on Jan 28, 2008 15:43:36 GMT
Very sad news, i was only saying on saturday it was weird not seeing him in is usual seat. deepest sympathy to his family and friends. May he watch many a happy icehockey game up there. RIP.
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Post by jeff on Jan 28, 2008 17:41:34 GMT
hi and thanks for all these kind words. a lot of you on here will not know me as i have not been to a game for a few years now after moving to Lincoln and having to work on Saturdays.
these last 3 days have been very hard on the family and reading these post do help (knowing how much Andy was liked/loved by you all)
thanks
Jeff, Andy's loving brother
andy you will be missed by lots, rest in peace bro.
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oldman
Simon Hunt
The World is full of experts
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Post by oldman on Jan 28, 2008 18:02:24 GMT
Very sad news our thoughts are with you all, RIP Andy!
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Post by focus12 on Jan 28, 2008 19:33:12 GMT
RIP Andy. Condolences to all your family
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Post by Alf Garnett on Jan 28, 2008 19:36:48 GMT
Sincere condoloncies.
At times like this words never seem to be enough.
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Post by judgemental on Jan 28, 2008 19:57:01 GMT
Andy was a fantastic brother and a best mate. Walking away from hospital today was the hardest thing I have ever done.
Hockey nights will never be the same for me and I’ll miss the ribbing and his laughing face from across the ice and between the periods if one of us made the dreaded mistake of flicking the light on when the puck hadn’t gone in, I know if I make that mistake in the future it’ll put a big grin on my face because I know he’ll be watching and laughing just like we used to. It was Andy who introduced and trained me as a goal judge and for that reason I feel it only right I should give up residence of the stage end box and move into what was considered Andy’s second home in front of block 10, that first game back is going to be my hardest yet but I’m looking forward to it. Thanks to every whose text me over the weekend and everyone whose posted on here.
Love ya bro. Chris xxx
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Baz
Simon Hunt
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Post by Baz on Jan 28, 2008 20:00:33 GMT
The last time I saw Andy was at QMC last Tuesday. He got up out of his wheelchair and we shook hands. It is difficult to comprehend how he can so suddenly be taken from us.
Andy was one of life's gentlemen, and sometimes life can be so unfair. He was single handedly responsible for getting me into goal judging. He spent many hours with me down at the juniors and gave both his time and experience unselfishly.
I sat with Andy and family at the play-off final last year. When that penalty save was made we looked at each other as tears rolled down our faces and hugged. I was proud to share that moment with him. I can hear him shouting down my ear now.
Every time in the future that I flick that red light on mate I'll be thinking of you. God speed.
Our thoughts are with all of his family.
Sue and Baz
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Post by Kazreema on Jan 28, 2008 20:56:23 GMT
I got to know Andy after we moved to the new place and I started as an official. He was just one of the nicest people I have ever met. Whenever I had an off-day, he was always there with some comforting words, and then he made me laugh in one way or another. I shall miss him like crazy. My thoughts are with all his family. Love Karen xxx
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Post by Block4Bex on Jan 28, 2008 21:12:30 GMT
last time i saw andy was after the plaoffs in april. i hadnt seen him in awhile and it was lovely to see him. like most people we spent a lot of times drinking in the 8o,s after matches and on the bus on the way home. i am shocked to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with him and all who knew him. you will be sadly missed.
julie and darryl easson
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Post by buster on Jan 28, 2008 23:37:48 GMT
i didnt know the guy, and i dont know his family, i just know its a great shame when anyone dies, regardless of who they are or what they have done, as they will always be special to someone.
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Post by Rob #12 on Jan 28, 2008 23:39:39 GMT
Like the above, I didn't know either. But he was obviously very important to this organisation and sport overall. RIP...
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Post by jeff on Jan 29, 2008 10:50:56 GMT
could i ask a favour, do any of you have any old photo,s of andy. we would like to make up a album of andy,s life. if you do have any pictures of andy down the rink, on away trips ect could you please email them to me at jeff.uk01@googlemail.com thank you.
jeff
bro i miss you, love jeff xxx
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