“We’re able to talk about our experiences in the sport, but also our experiences as Black women,” Payne said. “Renee was also there talking about her experiences and what led her to start the Black Girls Hockey Club. To me, that’s really the important part for them to see people in the space and see people who look like them doing great things.”
Hess said she was impressed by Payne’s passion for hockey and dedication to community service.
“Raven has a genuine desire to connect kids of color in Cleveland to the game of hockey,” she said. “I’ve been lucky enough to watch Raven in action, and in that arena, she’s everything and everywhere. She knows everyone’s name and does her best to connect with everyone she meets and make her feel special and seen.
“This is an important skill to have both in the workplace and in the hockey space. Some people may feel uncomfortable with that more than others, and Raven makes sure to let everyone she meets know they are important to her and the space they occupy.”
Jason McCrimmon had the same impression after watching Payne Chauffer and shepherd seven young Cleveland players at a Michigan weekend party as the kids skated, toured the USA Hockey facility in Plymouth, Mich., and met Cleveland native and former pro Blake Bolden, a scout for the Los Angeles Kings, community and hockey development specialist and ESPN hockey analyst.
