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Long time Richfield Arena manger Al Payne has been suffering from Stomach cancer for a little over a month now and things are not looking very good. Please keep him in your prayers.
Al has seen many excellant hockey players come through the doors of the Richfield Arena and is the main reason that the Richfield Arena is such a nice "old time" hockey arena. I know that there are many people who view and post on this board who have either played at the arena or know of Al Payne.
He has a been one of the main reason why I have enjoyed my 11 years at the arena.

Al Payne has always been helpful and organized in helping me run the Section tournament games at Richfield arena. A fine man who I pray will recover from this.

This is sad news. I have known Al through the years as well. Great guy, quick with a joke, passionate hockey guy, seemed to love life. I will pray for him.

Any idea what hospital he is at?

For those that have had the pleasure of knowing him, it may be uplifting for him to receive cards, flowers, etc. from the hockey community.

My thoughts and prayers are with him.

Al was/is a great guy. He will be missed by many.

As an update, Al passed away this morning June 13th. Al will be missed at the Richfield Ice Arena. He was more than a manger he was someone who loved hockey and he loved Richfield. I am saddened by his passing, but know what type of a person he was and what he brought to the world of hockey. I know there are many people out there that knew Al and will agree with me.

My group of adult beginners has been using Richfield for years and Al was always so helpful, organized and professional.
The arena is truly his legacy and I'm thrilled to hear the city will rename it in his honor. I can think of no better tribute.
Thanks, Al, thanks for everything.