Color of hockey: Payne’s hands-on approach pays off for Cleveland kids | NHL.com

“We were able to just talk about our experiences within the sport, but also our experiences as Black women,” Payne said. “Renee was also there to talk about her experience and what led her to even start the Black Girl Hockey Club. Being able to see people in spaces and see people doing amazing things that look like them was really the most important part in my opinion.”

Hess said she was impressed with Payne’s passion for hockey and dedication to serving the community.

“Raven has an authentic desire to connect children of color in Cleveland to the game of hockey,” she said. “I was lucky enough to see Raven in action during a game, and she is everything, everywhere at once in that arena. She knows everyone by name and does her best to connect and make every person she encounters feel special and seen.

“That’s such an important skill in the workplace, but also in hockey spaces. While some people may feel less comfortable than others, Raven makes sure everyone she meets knows they are important to her and the spaces they occupy.”

Jason McCrimmon had the same impression after watching Payne chauffer and herd the seven young Cleveland players at a weekend gathering in Michigan, when the kids skated, toured the USA Hockey facilities in Plymouth, Michigan, and met Blake Bolden, a Clevelander and former professional player who is a scout and community and hockey development specialist for the Los Angeles Kings and hockey analyst ESPN.