P.E.I. in mourning over death of Allan Andrews, 'a pillar of our hockey community'

P.E.I.'s hockey community is mourning the death of one of its most prominent members, Allan Andrews, founder of Andrews Hockey School.

Andrews, who was 83, was found dead after being reported missing in the Canoe Cove area Monday evening.

In a news release Tuesday morning, Hockey P.E.I. described Andrews as a revered figure.

"[His] contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport in Prince Edward Island and beyond," the release said.

"Allan's dedication to the development of young players through his innovative coaching programs and his unwavering commitment to excellence has shaped the lives of countless athletes, helping them to reach their full potential both on and off the ice."

In the release, Hockey P.E.I.'s president Robert MacMillan was quoted saying Andrews was "more than a coach; he was a mentor, a visionary, and a pillar of our hockey community. His impact on the sport is immeasurable."

Andrews came to organized hockey relatively late by today's standards. He played shinny on ponds in Freetown, P.E.I., but didn't play on his first team until he was 15.

He did his undergraduate degree at UNB and went on to become a teacher and coach. In 1979 he founded Andrews Hockey Growth Programs, which has since grown into a major hockey school attracting thousands of youth every year from all over the world.

Andrews was a member of the Order of Canada, the Order of P.E.I. and the P.E.I. Sports Hall of Fame.