No Payne, No Gain; An Hall of Fame Story.

[leandrofg 1,043]

Brian Payne, Class of Season 91

User: @Scurvy

 

 

TPE: 1818

Position: Defenseman

Nationality: American

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 225 lbs.

VHL Drafted: 26th Overall, by the Warsaw Predators

VHLE Drafted: 20th Overall, by the Bratislava Watchmen

Played for: San Diego Marlins, Bratislava Watchmen, Warsaw Predators, Vancouver Wolves

 

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Career Awards

 

Individual

 

All-VHL First Team | S85

All-VHL Second Team (4x) | S86, S88, S89, S90

Jake Wylde Trophy | S86, S85

Sterling Labatte Trophy | S85

 

Team

 

Continental Cup | S84

Terence Fong Trophy | S84

Victory Cup | S85

 

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Before the VHL

 

Some players are born with natural talent. Easy on the eye and easy to catch on. Brian Payne, like others, was brought up with relentless work ethic and determination. This story begins in Spokane, Washington, where Brian grew up and developed his passion for hockey.

 

Payne faced numerous challenges during his early years in hockey. He might have had the wildest passion for the sport but didn't have the talent to match it. Despite the rejections, he never waivered and kept fighting for spots on his teams. That determination paid off when he was drafted by the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League.

 

After four complete seasons in the WHL, Brian Payne became a pillar for the Everett Silvertips. He wasn't just the enforcer anymore, with his growth recognized enough by the coaching staff to be deemed worthy of 1st-Line duties on even-strength opportunities and Special Teams. He didn't, however, lose track of who he was and led the league in penalties and fighting majors during his last two amateur seasons. Despite leading the league in penalties and fighting majors, Payne's style caught the attention of scouts around the VHL.

 

The Minor Leagues

 

After so much progress, Payne hoped to see his name called in the upcoming VHLM draft, but that didn't happen. Instead, his legend as an underdog grew, and Payne signed a free-agent contract with the San Diego Marlins, a team then led by Nathan Powers, who went on to create the first dynasty in the VHLE.

 

It was the moment of truth for Payne. As with most underdogs, they may crawl and fight for an opportunity, but it can vanish without notice. That season was of the utmost importance for Brian Payne, and he knew. During the regular season, it was evident Payne was still adjusting from his amateur enforcer role into a complete professional player. Although his scoring numbers weren't eye-catching, he was able to be the physical player the Marlins needed.

 

During those playoffs, the world saw the first glimpse of what Brian Payne would eventually become. As he grew to a top VHLM player, Brian was paramount during the Marlins playoff run. As the 3rd seed in the West, the Marlins were considered an outsider but took down the Eastern Conference's 2nd-seeded Mississauga Hounds in six games. In the second round of the playoffs, they met the best team during the regular season and eventual champions, Ottawa Lynx - who they took to game seven! Even though their story ended there and the team had quality players, Payne's numbers were recognized as they should.

 

This performance caused Brian's draft stock to rise. However, the VHL world remained skeptical.

 

Drafted 20th in the VHLE and 26th in the VHL, Payne was shortly after those drafts considered a steal. How did management teams across the leagues make such a big mistake?

 

Brian Payne didn't lose any sleep over this and got to work. Moving up to the VHLE meant the competition level would be higher again, but that never held him back. Quickly, he made connections with other players in the Watchmen roster, such as his counterpart, Bo Johansson. While both are defensemen, their style couldn't be any different. They did play off each other and led the Watchmen to the playoffs, but their story wasn't like the Marlins.

 

Regular Season

82 (BRA), 72 Games Played, 12 Goals, 33 Assists, 45 Points, 2 Plus/Minus, 178 Hits, 109 Shots Blocked

81 (SDM), 72 Games Played, 11 Goals, 20 Assists, 31 Points, -21 Plus/Minus, 166 Hits, 76 Shots Blocked

 

Playoffs

82 (BRA), 5 Games Played, 1 Goals, 1 Assists, 2 Points, 1 Plus/Minus, 8 Hits, 9 Shots Blocked

81 (SDM), 13 Games Played, 6 Goals, 11 Assists, 17 Points, -6 Plus/Minus, 43 Hits, 25 Shots Blocked

 

Perseverance

 

That was the word Brian Payne used to describe his time in the VHL. From Washington to Warsaw. From the Silvertips to the Predators. After being selected 26th overall, his goal was to become as valuable, if not more, than any of the 25 players taken before him - and make every team pay.

 

As Payne got to the VHL, it seemed he was already the best version of himself. His presence on the ice was like no other, and his effect was undeniable. Coming up to a star-studded team in Warsaw, the expectation was for Payne to stand back and play second fiddle to the team's stars. Instead, he became one of them.

 

Facing more difficult competition, Payne rose to the challenge admirably. Embracing his role as a physical defenseman, Payne quickly earned the respect of his teammates and opponents alike. With guidance from Dakota Lamb, Payne continued to improve his technique, culminating in a breakout season where he set personal records in multiple categories.

 

Warsaw finished as the 3rd seed in the European Conference but couldn't get past the first-round matchup with the Riga Reign, who showed they were the better team in six games.

 

Season 84 saw Payne's continued growth and success. Despite his defensive-first mentality, Payne's offensive contributions were starting not to be overlooked, and he played a pivotal support role for the Predators' offense. Repeating their previous season's feat, they finished the regular season as the 3rd seed in their conference.

 

They did not repeat their previous performance during the playoffs and embarked on a championship-run playoff journey culminating in winning the Continental Cup. They beat the Helsinki Titans in the first round, the league favorites Moscow Menace in the second, and incumbent champions Seattle Bears in the Finals.

 

This playoff run set the tone for the remainder of Payne's career, and his contributions would be for any team he'd play for.

 

By Season 85, Payne had silenced his doubters and emerged as one of the VHL's premier defensemen. This season marked the start of his six straight 80-point season, and his all-around prowess was more prominent than ever. The Predators team improved throughout the season and became the top team in the league, winning the Victory Cup - but unlike the previous season, there was no Cinderella story in the making, and the Moscow Menace were feeling vengeful. The Predators were swept in the first round of the playoffs, giving life to the tale of the Victory Cup curse.

 

Individually, Payne's dedication and perseverance had finally paid off, winning both the Sterling Labatte Trophy and Jake Wylde Trophy, awarded to the Top Defenseman and Top Defensive Defenseman in the VHL, respectively.

 

From S86 to S88, Payne, already a leader in the Predators Locker Room, tried to galvanize the team towards the Continental Cup again but couldn't. In Season 86, the Predators couldn't get past the first round of the playoffs. In Season 87, the Wildcard round, and in Season 88, they didn't make the playoffs.

 

Brian Payne maintained his elite status, anchoring the Predators' defense with skill and determination. His play and leadership propelled the team to success in the regular season, although they faced playoff disappointment. His level of play rewarded him with a deserved second Jake Wylde Trophy.

 

Brian Payne found himself traded to the S86 champions, Vancouver Wolves. The move marked a significant shift in his career as he transitioned from a rebuilding phase with the Predators to a Vancouver Wolves team poised for a new championship run.

 

His leadership and defensive prowess made an immediate impact, which propelled the team to the Continental Cup Finals. Brian found himself with the opportunity to do something unique and become part of a short list of players who led two different teams to a Continental Cup.

 

The Wolves fought bravely but fell to the HC Davos Dynamo, a team that broke their decade-long cup-winning drought.

 

As Payne entered his final season, the Wolves were poised to make another run at the playoffs, but the team wasn't as strong as the previous year, which amounted to an early playoff exit. It was unfortunate. The trade revitalized Payne as he pursued championship glory one last time.

 

Payne's presence and skill were instrumental in guiding the Warsaw Predators and Vancouver Wolves in the VHL. Before Payne, only one previous Hall of Famer had combined more than 1.300 blocked shots with the point-per-game stat he had held for six seasons. Adding his more than 2.000 hits, and Payne stands alone.

 

Regular Season

 

90 (VAN), 72 Games Played, 24 Goals, 58 Assists, 82 Points, 24 Plus/Minus, 245 Hits, 133 Shots Blocked

89 (VAN), 72 Games Played, 16 Goals, 68 Assists, 84 Points, 22 Plus/Minus, 261 Hits, 159 Shots Blocked

88 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 15 Goals, 69 Assists, 84 Points, 7 Plus/Minus, 272 Hits, 169 Shots Blocked

87 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 19 Goals, 65 Assists, 84 Points, 2 Plus/Minus, 303 Hits, 195 Shots Blocked

86 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 17 Goals, 63 Assists, 80 Points, 38 Plus/Minus, 246 Hits, 148 Shots Blocked

85 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 21 Goals, 67 Assists, 88 Points, 44 Plus/Minus, 241 Hits, 200 Shots Blocked

84 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 19 Goals, 50 Assists, 69 Points, 14 Plus/Minus, 261 Hits, 190 Shots Blocked

83 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 16 Goals, 36 Assists, 52 Points, 33 Plus/Minus, 235 Hits, 132 Shots Blocked

 

Playoffs

 

90 (VAN), 11 Games Played, 4 Goals, 6 Assists, 10 Points, -7 Plus/Minus, 26 Hits, 19 Shots Blocked

89 (VAN), 16 Games Played, 3 Goals, 8 Assists, 11 Points, 6 Plus/Minus, 62 Hits, 46 Shots Blocked

87 (WAR), 3 Games Played, 0 Goals, 3 Assists, 3 Points, -1 Plus/Minus, 9 Hits, 8 Shots Blocked

86 (WAR), 7 Games Played, 2 Goals, 4 Assists, 6 Points, -1 Plus/Minus, 37 Hits, 31 Shots Blocked

85 (WAR), 9 Games Played, 4 Goals, 10 Assists, 14 Points, 5 Plus/Minus, 30 Hits, 23 Shots Blocked

84 (WAR), 20 Games Played, 4 Goals, 12 Assists, 16 Points, 1 Plus/Minus, 73 Hits, 42 Shots Blocked

83 (WAR), 6 Games Played, 0 Goals, 3 Assists, 3 Points, -5 Plus/Minus, 23 Hits, 15 Shots Blocked

 

This induction pays tribute to a player who was often overlooked but was able to grow into his unique place in the VHL Hall of Fame.

 

Congratulations on an incredible career, @Scurvy!

 

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Regular Season Career Stats

576 Games Played, 147 Goals, 476 Assists, 623 Points, +184 Plus/Minus, 2064 Hits, 1326 Shots Blocked

 

Playoff Career Stats

72 Games Played, 17 Goals, 46 Assists, 63 Points, -2 Plus/Minus, 260 Hits, 184 Shots Blocked

[Scurvy 1,170]

Wow!!!  Thank you so much!  Great article.  Pumped that I found the VHL when I did.  Y'all are a great community. 

[leandrofg 1,043]

37 minutes ago, Scurvy said:

Wow!!!  Thank you so much!  Great article.  Pumped that I found the VHL when I did.  Y'all are a great community. 

 

It was about time this came out! My apologies for the tardiness. (I mean... Ninefingers is already in the VHL )

 

Really glad you enjoy it!

[Gaikoku-hito 1,777]

10 hours ago, leandrofg said:

the Wolves were poised to make another run at the playoffs, but the team wasn't as strong as the previous year, which amounted to an early playoff exit. It was unfortunate.

Nice way to say we choked!! Which we did!! Making the season before hurt even more than it should have!!

 

@Scurvy Payne was classy guy on and off the ice; it was pleasure to have you part of the Vancouver Wolves!!

[Thunder 834]

On 4/5/2024 at 6:07 PM, Gaikoku-hito said:

@Scurvy Payne was classy guy on and off the ice; it was pleasure to have you part of the Vancouver Wolves!!

Great career Payne.  Real classy drinking whiteclaws outside Curves in your spandex.

[Thunder 834]

Congrats @Scurvy .   That was a killer article.  Well written and every word deserved.  You are a monster and Brian Payne’s career was incredible. 

 

Good Job.   You deserved it…. @leandrofg nice work.  You definitely did some research.