“We were able to just talk to our experiences within the sport, but then also to about our experiences as Black women,” Payne said. “Renee was there also to talk to her experience and what made her even start Black Girl Hockey Club. For them to see people in spaces and to see people that are doing great things that look like them, was truly the important part, in my opinion.”
Hess said she was impressed by Payne’s passion for hockey and dedication to serving the community.
“Raven has an authentic desire to connect kids of color in Cleveland to the game of ice hockey,” she said. “I was lucky enough to see Raven at action at a game, and she is everything, everywhere, all at once in that arena. She knows everyone by name and does her best to connect and make each person she encounters feel special and seen.
“That is such an important skill to have in the workplace but also in hockey spaces. Where some folks might feel less comfortable than others, Raven makes sure to let each person she meets know that they are important to her and to the spaces they occupy.”
Jason McCrimmon had the same impression after watching Payne chauffer and shepherd the seven young Cleveland players during a Michigan weekend meetup, when the kids skated, toured 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 ESPN hockey analyst.