Stahl and Payne heading west to lay down the law

Published on September 12, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


ALBUQUERQUE – With training camp less than a month away, the New Mexico Scorpions of the Central Hockey League announced today that they have signed forwards Craig Stahl and Mike Payne, bringing the number of players under contract for the 2002-03 season to 14.

Stahl, 25, spent last season with the Greensboro (N.C.) Generals of the East Coast Hockey League, where he tied his career best with 13 goals. He posted 29 points (13g-16a) in 62 games and set a new personal high with 186 penalty minutes. The 6-foot, 200-pound native of Cranbrook, British Columbia is entering his fifth professional season, having spent the first two years of his career with the Austin Ice Bats. Stahl was teammates in Greensboro with another new Scorpion for this season, defenseman Leigh Dean. While in Austin, Stahl was teammates with Scorpions Assistant Coach/Director of Community Relations Travis Van Tighem.

Payne, 27, is entering his fourth full season. Last season with the Asheville Smoke of the United Hockey League, Payne registered 12 points (2g-10a) and 274 penalty minutes in 43 games. In 166 professional games, the 6-foot, 200-pound native of Burlington, Mass. has 879 penalty minutes. During part of the 2000-01 season with Macon (Ga.), Payne was teammates with last year's Scorpions MVP, Chris Richards.

"I'm looking forward to putting Craig and Mike up against anybody in the CHL," said Scorpions Head Coach/Vice President of Hockey Operations Pat Dunn. "They are two rugged players who will play hard each and every game and can more than hold their own if the game gets physical. Craig has a good touch around the net while Mike will go through a wall for his teammates. I'm sure our fans will enjoy the style that they will bring to the New Mexico Scorpions."

Scorpions season tickets start as low as $192 and are available NOW by calling the team office at (505) 881-PUCK (7825). The Scorpions open their seventh season of professional hockey in the Land of Enchantment on Friday, Oct. 18 as they host the Odessa Jackalopes at Tingley Coliseum on the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. Faceoff is 7:05 p.m. The Scorpions open training camp on Monday, Oct. 7 at Blades in Rio Rancho.

Craig Stahl Right Wing Ht: 6'0" Wt: 200 DOB: 3/19/77 Shoots: R Hometown: Cranbrook, B.C.

2001-2002: Played with Greensboro in ECHL, where he was teammates with new Scorpions defenseman Leigh Dean... Posted career highs with 186 PIM... Had three assists against Greenville on 11/20... Recorded a goal and assist at Augusta on 12/14 and against Atlantic City on 2/2... Tied career best with 13 goals set originally during rookie season with Austin in 1998-99.

CAREER NOTES: Fifth professional season... First season with the Scorpions... Selected by Detroit Red Wings (8th round, 215 overall) in 1996 NHL Entry Draft... Had best season during his rookie year with Austin, when he averaged almost a point per game with 42 points in 45 games... Was teammates with current Scorpions assistant coach Travis Van Tighem on that Austin team.

LAST AMATEUR TEAM: Tri-City (WHL)

Mike Payne Left Wing Ht: 6'0" Wt: 200 DOB: 1/31/75 Shoots: L Hometown: Burlington, Mass.

2001-2002: Spent season with Asheville Smoke... Had a goal and assist against New Haven on 3/22... Picked up two assists against Rockford on 2/3... Recorded 37 PIM against Quad City on 10/25.

CAREER NOTES: Fourth full professional season... First season with the Scorpions... Bonafide enforcer at this level with offensive potential... Has garnered at least 250 PIM in each of his three full seasons... Played with Chris Richards in Macon.

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Central Hockey League Stories from September 12, 2002


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