Giancarlo Nadeau
Sunshine Coast, B.C. – General Manager and Head Coach Brad Wingfield announced today that the team has committed to 2008-born defenceman Braeden Payne (North Vancouver, BC).
Payne (5’11”, 159 pounds) spent the past season in the BCEHL with the U17 North West Hawks. He suited up in 36 games, scored seven goals, and added 17 assists for 24 points.
“I’m really excited to be a part of the Tsunami’s inaugural season. I can’t wait to get started,” said Payne.
The blueliner plays a quick transitional game, making it easy to jump in on the attack, and is also an impressive puck mover.
“Braeden was at our spring prospects camp and certainly caught the attention of our staff having a very strong camp. He had a very productive U17 AAA season last year with the Hawks, where he was one of the top point-producing defenders,” said General Manager and Head Coach Brad Wingfield.
“He’s going to have a bright future in hockey, and we look forward to helping further his development,” he added.
Payne is the fifteenth player committed to playing for the new expansion franchise, the Tsunami, which will begin its preseason in August.
