How Cincinnati Cyclones made pro hockey history with 5 Black starters: 'It's very special'

When Cincinnati Cyclones head coach Jason Payne first learned how to skate at age 3, there wasn't much Black representation on the ice. Nearly 45 years later, the Toronto native is attempting to change the sport's reputation.

The Cyclones made history March 30, becoming North America's first professional hockey team to start five Black players: forwards Kyle Bollers, Josh Burnside and Elijah Gonsalves, and defensemen Landon Cato and Jalen Smereck.

"I'm glad I was a part of it," Bollers said.

The historic matchup wasn't the first time the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) team broke racial barriers.

First Black head coach in Cyclones history

In 2022, Payne became the first Black head coach of the Cyclones and one of only two current Black head coaches in hockey in North America. He replaced former Cyclones coach Matt Thomas, who was hired by the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League (AHL).

"It's something you definitely take pride in," Payne told The Enquirer. "When I got the head coaching job, I was the only Black head coach in North America and one of very few that has ever happened. So, I took pride in that as well.

"But then finding the ability and the opportunity to recruit players that can play and the fact that they're players of color and now allow them to be all in the same ice at the same time, to actually create a historic moment. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up."

Payne's mother, who emigrated to Toronto from St. Lucia, introduced him to hockey. He said his mom would take him to St. Michael's College School Arena, where many NHL legends got their start.

Payne first played goalie, then transitioned to being a player. He eventually worked his way up the ranks until he reached the professional hockey circuit and played professionally for 14 years. This included a brief stint with the former Cincinnati Mighty Ducks from 1999 to 2000.

Payne began coaching in 2011, taking on various roles across multiple leagues as a scout, general manager, skating coach and assistant coach.

Little did he know his journey on the ice would lead him back to the Queen City. Thomas asked him to be an assistant coach for the Cyclones in 2018.

"When he (Thomas) called me, that was the opportunity that I saved and was waiting for. So, I jumped on it and took the chance and came out," Payne said. "It's like coming back home again."

Now, Payne is using his experience in professional hockey to inspire the next generation of players to chase their dreams, regardless of whatever social or economic barriers they may face. Payne said through diverse representation in the sport and giving back to the community, he believes they can continue to open more doors for players of color.

"The more people they see on the ice or behind the bench or anywhere in the industry of the same skin tone, complexion or look alike, it gives everybody a brighter chance, brighter opportunity, and light at the end of the tunnel to think that, 'If they can do it, I can do it. There's people of my color, there's people of my stature in those positions of power, positions of success. So, it's not impossible for me,'" he said.

'It feels pretty special'

Bollers and Cato shared similar stories about how they fell into the sport of hockey. Both were encouraged by family members to pick up a pair of skates before the age of 5. The Ontario natives said they had older siblings who played, and it was only expected they would, too, given the popularity of hockey in Canada.

While Cato spent the entire 2023-24 season with the Cyclones, the March 30 matchup was a historic debut for Bollers, who joined the team only two weeks prior. The timing couldn't have been more perfect.

"It feels pretty special. ... I think for me personally, I didn't really realize what was going on until after the fact, and you get all those kind messages from people all over the place. It's very special," Bollers said.

Cato said he too didn't realize the magnitude of what they had accomplished until days after the game. Now he understands how their presence on the ice impacted everyone around them.

"I think it gives everyone a chance," Cato said. "I know here in Cincinnati, they're for sure dedicated to getting everyone into the game and just showing that the game's bigger than what it is right now, and we can bring it to a way bigger level by doing little things like this."

Bollers and Cato said the biggest advice they would give young players of color is to continue doing what you love regardless of the naysayers out there and always remember the importance of authenticity.

"Be yourself. I think if you're yourself and you're happy with what you're doing, there's nothing that can stop you," Cato said. "And I think that's the biggest thing. Just by your skin color, where you were raised or how you were raised doesn't affect if you're able to make it in this sport. ... I think if you love the game, yourself, you can do whatever you want."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How Cincinnati Cyclones made pro hockey history with 5 Black starters