‘The Cyclones have prided themselves on their staff diversity. Their vice president/general manager is Kristin Ropp, the only woman running a team in the ECHL, AHL or NHL. Their former radio broadcaster, Everett Fitzhugh, has been hired by the expansion Seattle Kraken to call their games and is the NHL’s only Black announcer.’
Archives for September 1, 2021
Cincinnati’s Jason Payne becomes pro hockey’s only Black head coach
‘Payne played 14 years in several minor leagues, skating for a whopping 21 teams, including four AHL clubs. The former forward played 132 games in the ECHL, amassing 546 penalty minutes.’
Cincinnati Cyclones make Jason Payne professional hockey’s only head coach of color
‘Payne, a member of the NHL Coaches Association BIPOC Coaches Program, is the third head coach of color in the ECHL’s 33-year existence and the fifth BIPOC head coach in professional hockey history, joining Dirk Graham (Chicago Blackhawks, NHL, 1998-99), Shawn Wheeler (Charlotte Checkers, ECHL, 1998-2000), Graham Townsend (Macon Whoope, Greensboro Generals, CHL/ECHL, 1999-2002) and Leo Thomas (Macon Mayhem, SPHL, 2018-2019).’
ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones hire Jason Payne, who becomes only current Black head coach in North American pro hockey
‘Payne said his coaching style is centered around understanding his players as people. The Cyclones will be his first head-coaching job, and he will continue to serve as the team’s director of hockey operations and work with the Cincinnati Cyclones Foundation, which is helping grow the game of hockey in the greater Cincinnati area.’
The Latest Jack Eichel Speculation
‘Despite the recent conjecture, an Eichel trade doesn’t seem imminent. His health remains a significant issue for clubs interested in acquiring him. So does his $10 million annual cap hit through 2025-26 and the Sabres’ rumored asking price of four assets comparable to four first-round draft picks.’