The Inspiring Journey of Serge Payer, from Hockey Player to Philanthropist and Agent Extraordinaire
Joe Colasurdo, PHPA Coordinator of Communications and Business Development | January 21st, 2024
From the very beginning hockey has always been a way of life for Serge Payer. He fondly recalls the values that his parents instilled in him from a young age through the game of hockey, including leadership and hard work, that have stuck with him to this day.
During his youth hockey days Payer was an explosive skater that played with great pace. He was also a solid play maker. Yet he credits his third-round selection by the Kitchener Rangers in the 1995 OHL Draft to his level of preparation.
“My commitment to hard work and my positive attitude were definitely contributing factors between being an above average player and someone who excelled over time. I also made sure I controlled my controllables which were my attitude, my preparation, and my relentless work ethic. As a result, I believe I was better prepared than others and skilled enough to be successful,” explained Payer.
In 1995, Payer began his five-year OHL career with the Kitchener Rangers leaving home at the age of 15. “I learned at a young age how to battle and play the game the right way. I was also fortunate to have some of the best teammates and coaches of my entire career in Kitchener.”
Following his first OHL season, Payer won a Gold Medal at the U-18 World Championships representing Team Canada as they defeated the USA by a score of 5-3.
Payer attended the 1997 NHL draft in Pittsburgh but would ultimately go unselected. However, after being knocked down he got right back up and was ready to prove himself. He received invitations from multiple NHL teams, but chose to attend the Florida Panthers Rookie Camp later that summer. After turning heads during rookie camp, Payer made sure that management, coaches, and scouts knew who he was. Less than a month later, the Florida Panthers presented Payer with his first NHL contract before returning to the Rangers for his third season.
Halfway through his fourth season, on Sunday, January 10th, 1999, Payer’s hockey career almost came to an unforeseen conclusion. He remembers overcoming severe physical weakness and numbness in his legs and mid section to play in a game Sunday afternoon. He persevered but struggled mightily to finish it. Following the game, he went directly home to rest and felt his body getting weaker. Then constant and sharp lower back pain started setting in which progressively got worse and turned into aching pain. Before he knew it, he felt the constant sharp pains getting worse which prevented him from sleeping.
“I remember laying in the bathtub all night long in warm water. I would put my feet up against the end wall to ensure my back was in the warm water to help ease some of the pain. I did this for an entire week before I decided enough was enough. I consulted with our team doctor, I visited the local clinic, and I went to the nearest hospital. Everyone gave me the same diagnosis of pulled muscles in my back and a severe flu that required rest,” Payer explained.
Three days later Payer returned to the hospital in the middle of the night insisting something was seriously wrong. His body was completely numb from his chest down, yet he still possessed motor skills. After further testing he was transferred to London University Hospital where he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
Within a few days Payer began receiving treatment, but it wasn’t until multiple months later before he started to regain feeling. To this day he still experiences some numbness in his ankles.
Following a gruelling two-month hospital stay in London, Ontario, and an additional month in a rehabilitation facility in Kitchener, Payer found himself in a deep state of reflection and depression. One morning after speaking with his doctor, Payer ultimately decided he would take the necessary steps to return to hockey. Despite numerous attempts from others to redirect his career aspirations, Payer remained steadfast in his determination to become a professional hockey player.
Embarking on a rigorous rehabilitation journey, Payer made incremental progress every week with a singular goal of returning to hockey in September to either begin his professional career with the Florida Panthers organization or go back to the OHL for his overage season in Kitchener.
In August, Payer intensified his training efforts, aiming to regain the 60 lbs of weight he lost due to Guillain-BarréSyndrome, only to contract mononucleosis in the process. Payer persevered once again. After missing 11 and a half months he returned to the Kitchener Rangers in December, assuming the role of team Captain.
Having faced both Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Mononucleosis, Payer emerged with a newfound perspective on life as well as a revised approach to living.
Reflecting on his journey, Payer expressed gratitude for the obstacles he overcame, recognizing that adversity has shaped the person he’s become.
“When I was younger, I always questioned ‘why me’? Now as an adult, I’m appreciative of the obstacles I faced. I still wouldn’t wish to go through it again, but I am grateful I did. Overcoming that adversity made me who I am today.”
The experience prompted him to appreciate the smaller joys in life, emphasizing the importance of health and relationships.
After completing his overage season in Kitchener, Payer achieved another milestone when he
began his first season of professional hockey in 2000 with the Louisville Panthers of the American Hockey League (AHL). A few weeks into the season, Payer was playing well while the Florida Panthers were struggling and dealing with injuries. After a three-point standout performance against the Syracuse Crunch with family in the stands, he earned his first call-up to the NHL on November 11, 2000. He joined the Florida Panthers the next morning and made his NHL debut on November 13, 2000. Payer’s remarkable journey continued as he went from possibly never playing hockey again to making his NHL debut less than two years later.
Recalling the moment, Payer said, “I just remember the overwhelming joy from my teammates and family. I also remember sitting in my stall before my first game thinking this is real, I am going to play in the National Hockey League (NHL), this is what I’ve been working towards my whole life.”
Three games later, Payer netted his first NHL goal against the Ottawa Senators in front of hundreds of friends and family.
Over the next eight seasons Payer split time between the NHL and the AHL before deciding to extend his professional hockey career in Europe. He spent two seasons in Germany with Krefeld Pinguine followed by a final season with Vålerenga, in Norway, concluding a remarkable journey that defied the odds and showcased the resilience of Serge Payer.
As Payer’s career approached its conclusion, the desire to remain involved in the sport through a different capacity was ignited. Initially interested in a role as a coach or manager, it wasn’t until a pivotal conversation with the owner of the Krefeld Penguins in his first season in Germany that the prospect of becoming an agent emerged as a compelling possibility. The allure of stability inherent in an agent’s role compared to a front office position or a coach combined with Payer’s approachability and a natural willingness to assist and serve others positioned himself to make a significant impact in the agency world.
It's the same commitment to aiding others that led to Payer becoming a PHPA and an NHLPA Player Representative during his professional career and even attending the PHPA and NHLPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives. Payer is a big supporter of the PHPA and NHLPA and always tried to educate himself as a player to better help his teammates.
“Any time you can have true professionals that work to represent our best interests as players is crucial. The PHPA and NHLPA do a great job of looking out for the players,” said Payer.
Upon establishing Unlimited Sports Management LLC. and transitioning to an agent, he vowed to serve his clients better than any other agent and build life-long relationships beyond the sport of hockey.
“I always thought that I’ve done my job exceptionally well if I’m invited to my client’s wedding one day,” explained Payer. “My mission is to serve, to impact lives, and to make a positive difference in their lives.”
Beyond the hockey rink, Payer remains devoted in his commitment to serving others and positively impacting lives through the Serge Payer Foundation. Established in 1999 after Payer overcame Guillain-Barré Syndrome, the foundation initially focused on fundraising for this cause, inspired by Payer’s gratitude for the accessible treatment he received.
“I remember feeling how lucky I was to have received the treatment and I thought to myself, what can I do to pay it forward? That’s when I came up with the idea of using my position with the Kitchener Rangers to start my own foundation and create events such as fundraisers. The organization and fans in Kitchener were extremely supportive and I was committed to giving my time to charity as a way to give back.”
Over time, the foundation’s scope expanded, not only dedicated to Guillain-Barré Syndrome but also offering people with an opportunity to apply for a scholarship or sponsor one as well. Once Payer became a father, he added another component to the Serge Payer Foundation after recognizing how difficult it can be for two parents to raise children let alone one. He realized balancing time and finances is extremely difficult for a single parent to get by in today’s world while putting children in extracurricular activities. As a result, Payer and his foundation introduced a single parent program to extend support to families in need.
“I just feel so compelled to do a little bit extra for those people in need. It’s even more rewarding when you connect with the families we assist, learning about their lives and hearing their stories.”
While the foundation previously organized various events including skate-a-thons, golf tournaments, casino nights and more, it has now shifted its focus to an online platform, allowing the foundation to host virtual fundraising and auctions and connect with a broader audience, ensuring its impact reaches far and wide.
In addition to his other roles, Payer is also a minor hockey coach for both of his son’s youth hockey teams. As the coach he has found a way to integrate the importance of charity and giving back into the human development of his players. Through a collaboration with the Serge Payer Foundation the U10A Team Red Florida Junior Panthers and the U8A Florida Junior Panthers teams are each conducting two fundraisers. The first is a Player Challenge Fundraiser based on pledges while the second is a T-Shirt Fundraiser based on donations (please refer to the links above for more information about each fundraiser).
Despite being a retired professional hockey player, Payer lives a very busy life between managing Unlimited Sports Management, his real-estate company, the Payer Group, and the Serge Payer Foundation. Above all, he prioritizes his family which includes his wife Doris and two sons Leander and Levin. At this point in time, his schedule leaves little room for a social life, but Payer is content with this as his primary focus is on giving back and serving others.
“When you have a mission, vision, and a great team of people surrounding you, it is amazing what you can accomplish,” Payer added.
Payer leads a structured life and believes that with discipline, preparation, and a strong work ethic, no one should be discouraged from pursuing their goals.
This true story serves as a vehicle to positively impact, motivate, inspire, and allow others to believe in themselves and overcome any obstacle in their way from accomplishing their goals.
