Gavin Burbach and Travis Payne have both signed tenders to play Junior A hockey in the Soo; Burbach for the Soo Thunderbirds in Sault, Ontario and Payne for the Soo Eagles in Sault, Michigan. Both teams are part of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL).

Payne, who played two years for the Indians before moving on to play for the Hudson Crusaders of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League (MNJHL), will join the Eagles this season.

In 50 games at Hudson, Payne scored 32 goals and 30 assists for 62 points as a  rookie.  Travis’ 62 points were good for 8th in the league in scoring and his 32 goals were 6th most. In Payne’s last season with the Indians (2008-09) he led the team with 28 goals and 26 assists for 54 points.

“Travis will be a great addition to the Eagles” said Crusaders Head Coach Ted Urschel.  ”He comes to the rink every day with a desire to get better.  He is a great leader not only vocally but through example.  He never took a drill off in practice or a shift off in a game.  He’s a team guy and that will get him very far in his career.  We wish him luck next year with the Eagles and I’m sure we will see him on a college roster in the near future.”

Burbach also played two seasons with the Indians (08-09 and 09-10).  In his final season with the Indians, the 5-8, 180 pound forward from Newberry, MI scored 16 goals and 23 assists.

Soo Thunderbirds GM, Kevin Cain, likes a number of things Gavin brings to his new team.  “Gavin is very firm on the puck. A smart player, young, and with a tremendous upside.”  Cain adds, “Gavin will fit in well with our good mix of veterans and rookies.  I watched Gavin play a number of games last year and got to see his development first hand.”

Cain went on to comment further about the Indians organization.  “The Indians AAA team with Jerry (Harwood), Zeke (Mike Kaunisto) and Rick (Corbiere) to a great job getting players ready for Junior hockey and we will continue to follow the Indians program and their players in the future.”

Congratulations to Travis Payne and Gavin Burbach.

It was a pleasure having you on our team and we wish you nothing but the best in your new careers!

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