2021 Cincinnati Cyclones vs Indy Fuel

ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones Name Jason Payne Head Coach

ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones Name Jason Payne Head Coach

The Cincinnati Cyclones announced this week they have named Jason Payne as head coach.

Sep 2, 2021 by Lucas Wiseman
ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones Name Jason Payne Head Coach

The ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones announced this week they have named Jason Payne as head coach, making him the only Black head coach in North American pro hockey for the upcoming season.

Payne, who replaces Matt Thomas, will also be the Cyclones’ director of hockey operations. Thomas left the Cyclones to become assistant coach at the Providence Bruins in the American Hockey League.

“I would like to thank our ownership group, Ray Harris, and Kristin Ropp for trusting in me and believing in my abilities,” Payne said in a release. “I am humbled, grateful, and excited for this amazing opportunity. I would like to thank Matt Thomas for all that he has done to support the Cyclones and for giving me my first opportunity at the professional level as a member of his staff. I would also like to congratulate him on his recent hire as the assistant coach with the Providence Bruins and joining the Boston Bruins organization.”

Payne, who joined the Cyclones as assistant coach prior to the 2018-19 season, had a 14-year playing career before transitioning into coaching, scouting and front office roles. Before joining the Cyclones, Payne served as the general manager for the OJHL’s Georgetown Raiders.

“We are going to remain committed to continuing our development both on and off the ice for our players and in the community. As an organization, we are equally committed to continuing the growth of minor league hockey, as well as the overall growth of the sport in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Area. From our fans, to our players, to our staff, this is a first class organization and I will continue to treat it as such. I’m excited for what this season will bring for our team.”

Ropp, the Cyclones vice president and general manager, said she’s excited to see what’s ahead with Payne at the helm.

“Jason is more than ready to take over the helm for our team and I am proud to offer him this opportunity,” Ropp said in a release. “His commitment to maintaining our winning culture while growing the game of hockey in the Greater Cincinnati Area are ingrained in him due to his tenure with our Organization. There is a great sense of peace of mind turning the team over to him. I am excited to see Jason’s leadership development even more so and witness his success both on and off the ice.”

The Cyclones start the 2021-22 season on Oct. 23 live on FloHockey against the Indy Fuel.