Davis Payne's journey in the world of hockey is marked by his transition from player to coach, reflecting a deep understanding of the game. Born on September 24, 1970, in Port Alberni, British Columbia, Payne's early years in hockey saw him playing as a left winger. He was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the seventh round of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, but he never played a game for the team. Instead, his playing career was primarily spent in the minor leagues.
Payne's professional playing career began in earnest with the Greensboro Monarchs of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) in the early 1990s. He later played for the Phoenix Roadrunners in the International Hockey League (IHL) and the Providence Bruins in the American Hockey League (AHL). His time on the ice was characterized by a solid work ethic and a keen sense of the game, attributes that would later serve him well in his coaching career.
After hanging up his skates, Payne transitioned to coaching, where he found a new avenue to express his hockey acumen. He began his coaching career in the ECHL with the Pee Dee Pride, where he served as an assistant coach before taking on the head coach role. His leadership abilities were soon recognized, and he moved on to coach the Alaska Aces, also in the ECHL. Under his guidance, the Aces achieved considerable success, culminating in a Kelly Cup championship in 2006.
Payne's coaching prowess did not go unnoticed, and he soon made the jump to the NHL. In 2007, he joined the St. Louis Blues organization as the head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen. His time with the Rivermen was a stepping stone to the NHL, as he was promoted to head coach of the St. Louis Blues in January 2010, following the dismissal of Andy Murray.
As head coach of the Blues, Payne brought a fresh perspective and a focus on developing young talent. During his tenure, the team showed promise and improvement, though they faced challenges in the highly competitive Central Division. Payne's time with the Blues came to an end in November 2011, when he was replaced by Ken Hitchcock.
Following his stint with the Blues, Payne continued his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings. Joining the Kings in 2012, he was part of the coaching staff that led the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2014. His role with the Kings allowed him to further hone his coaching skills and contribute to the team's success.
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