Serge Payer

Drafted 1995, 3 #39 by Kitchener Rangers in the OHL Priority Selection

🏒 Playing Career Achievements

Junior & International
Gold Medal – Pacific Cup — Payer won a Gold Medal representing Canada’s National U18 Team.

Professional:
NHL Career — Played 119+ NHL games with the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators (7 goals, 6 assists).

Bill Masterton Trophy – Team Nominee (Florida Panthers) — He was the Panthers’ nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey, largely due to his comeback from Guillain–Barré Syndrome.

🧠 Overcoming Adversity
Remarkable Comeback — Payer’s return to hockey after a 11.5 - month battle with Guillain–Barré syndrome and mononucleosis is widely recognized as a major personal achievement in his career.

🏆 Team Awards NHL, PRO and at the Major Junior Level
While playing in the NHL, in the AHL, in the DEL, Payer contributed to team success and earned internal recognitions.

He was part of Kitchener Rangers teams in the mid- to late-1990s during successful periods of play.

🌟 Community & Off-Ice Accomplishments
Founder — Serge Payer Foundation — Established a nonprofit to raise funds and awareness for Guillain–Barré syndrome research, support single parents, and provide scholarships.

Charitable Events — His foundation hosts annual boat cruises, golf tournaments, and other events benefitting GBS research and community causes.

Quick Summary

On-ice
Pacific Cup Gold Medal with Canada U18

12 Year Pro Career in NHL, AHL, DEL 2000-01 NHL Award Florida Panthers Winner of the Bill Masterton Trophy 2000-01 NHL Award Nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy

Off-Ice
Founded and runs the Serge Payer Foundation: sergepayerfoundation.org

Active charity organizer and community contributor