Brian Payne bio

[Scurvy 1,106]

Brian Payne

Defenseman

Seattle, WA

601 225lbs

Nickname: Scurvy and Southpaw

 

 

 

The road to the VHL for Brian Payne was not an easy one.  Payne grew up in Spokane Washington and was introduced to hockey at a young age.  But there was one problem, he wasn’t very good.  But Payne could work and that kept him on clubs.  He filled roles and was the first and last person in the gym or rink.

 

At 16 years old he was drafted in the last round by the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League.  His play had improved but it was clear to most that Payne was picked up for a physical presence and not lighting the lamp or leading the power play.   

 

Payne grinded his way on the club for 4 years steadily improving each year.  His final year he was on the Power play and worked his way up to first pair defense.  However, even with improved play he was still required to provide that physical presence and in his final two seasons in the W he was #1 in Penalties and fighting majors both season with 303 PIM and 319 PIM his final season. 

 

After so much improvement Payne was hoping to see his name in the upcoming VHLM draft but his name wasn’t called.  Undeterred he signed on when San Diego Marlins GM JB123 gave him a call asking him to play and offering him third D pair minutes and some PK time.  Payne jumped at the chance. 

 

Under the guidance of his new GM Payne steadily grew in the lineup, ending up on the first defensive pairing by the end of the season.  This improved play and steadily max earning experience (TPE) each week opened the eyes of VHL and VHLE scouts.  

 

 S81 VHLM Regular Season- 72 GP 11 G 20 A 31 PTS  128 PIM 166 Hits

 

S81 VHLM Playoffs:                13 GP 6 G 11A 17 pts 22 PIM 43 hits 

 

In S82 the draft came, and Payne was drafted 20^th overall by the Bratislava Watchman in the VHLE and 26^th overall in the VHL by the Warsaw Predators.  When asked about where he went in the draft shortly after, Payne replied, “I am just happy Warsaw and Bratislava picked me and my goal is to make each team that passed on me suffer.” 

 

In Season 82 Payne started with the Watchman and made quick friends with fellow defenseman and elite talent, Bo Johansson.  Payne was the stay at home rough and ready defenseman while Bo had silky hands, quick feet, and was              dazzling with and without the puck.  

 

Playing with Bo is what changed Payne’s game forever.  BO had Payne working on the smaller details of his game and slowly Payne started to improve his game while still playing a defense first style.  Payne still had to fight and play some rough minutes, but he hit double digits in goals and found himself once again on the power play where he gained confidence that he could compete a higher level. 

 

VHLE stats: 72 GP 12G 33A 45 PTS  120 PIM 178 HITS 109 SB

 

Season 83 found Payne in his first year in the big show with the Warsaw Predators.  Payne hit the VHL in full force and despite the tougher competition his game excelled.  He had some outstanding games that involved some fights with notable VHL legends such as Duncan Idaho, Hard Markinson, and Druss Deathwalker.  Team GM Dlamb took Payne under his wing and helped Payne polish his game to another level. 

 Payne ended his first season with record numbers:  

 

S83- 72 GP 16 G 36 A 52 PTS 207 PIM 235 HITS 132 SB

 

 Season 84 showed continued improvement statistically with a 17-point increase and a Continental Cup Championship.  Payne continued his Defense first style and amassed 210 minutes in PIMS and 261 hits.  Payne shined on a stacked team during their cup run with 4 goals 12 assists 16pts 70 PIM 73 hits and 42 SB.  

 

Season 85 showed him at his best and silenced a lot of doubters that have been steady at him his whole life.  Payne lit the lamp all season long and played like a man possessed.  All his coaching from his family, JB123 @JB123, Dlamb @dlamb, Bo Johansson @Shindigsall came together and for the first time ever Payne was playing with confidence.  Payne won the Sterling Labatte Trophy and Jake Wylde Trophy, not bad for the 26^th overall selection.  Payne could not be more thankful to those who got him to where he is currently at.  

 

Payne is also thankful for the creators and management of the Victory Hockey League for giving Payne the platform to play with such amazing people.  Payne is hungry to continue in his remaining four seasons and beyond and hopes that more championships are in his future.  

 

VHL Regular Season Totals:  

 

248 GP 62 G 171 A 233 PTS 745 PIM 839 HITS 587 SB