Payne returns to Adirondack

Action photo of Robbie Payne of the Adirondack Thunder

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – The Adirondack Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey Leagueg's New Jersey Devils and American Hockey League's Utica Comets, announced that they have signed forward Robbie Payne to a contract for the 2021-22 season.

Payne returns to Adirondack after finishing fourth on the team in points in 2019-20. The Gaylord, Michigan native's 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 games also earned him a spot in the 2020 ECHL All-Star Classic.

Before joining the Thunder in 2019, Payne spent his first full season as a pro with the AHL's Texas Stars where he posted six points (2g-4a) in 29 games while adding 12 points (6g-6a) in 13 games with the Idaho Steelheads. Payne made his pro debut with Texas in 2017-18 after his senior season at Northern Michigan University.

Payne notched 94 points (54g-40a) in his 158-game collegiate career with the Wildcats and was named team captain for his final season. Prior to his college years, the 28-year-old played one season in the United States Hockey League for the Tri-City Storm and Chicago Steel.