Today's hockey hero from the past is André Malo, one of the most respected defencemen of his era and a true servant of British ice hockey.
Arriving from Canada in 1986, André went on to enjoy a remarkable 15-season UK career, icing for the Ayr Bruins, Cleveland Bombers, Nottingham Panthers, Sheffield Steelers and Newcastle Vipers. After gaining his British passport in 1993, he proudly represented Great Britain, earning 32 senior international caps.
André's UK journey began in Ayr during a turbulent season marked by coaching changes and playoff disappointment. A late change of plans saw him move south to the Cleveland Bombers, a decision that would shape the rest of his career. With Cleveland he experienced promotion, relegation, and a dramatic reprieve, later stepping up as player-coach during a hugely successful 1989–90 campaign.
A move to the Nottingham Panthers followed in 1993, culminating in a memorable but painful Wembley Playoff semi-final defeat. André then returned "home" to Teesside before serious financial issues and a back injury temporarily forced him away from the game.
Fully recovered, André joined the Sheffield Steelers for the 1995–96 season, becoming part of one of the most dominant teams in UK hockey history. That year brought a Grand Slam, including a dramatic Wembley Playoff Final victory decided by penalty shots — with André scoring first against his former club.
In total, André spent five seasons with the Steelers, playing 286 games and winning six major trophies. He later returned briefly with the Newcastle Vipers before finally retiring from the game.
Now settled in Stockton-on-Tees, André works as a teacher and enjoys golf — but his legacy as one of the game's most reliable leaders remains firmly intact.
Thanks for the memories, André.
