Kent Douglas Paynter (born April 27, 1965) is a

Canadian Canadians (french: Canadiens) are people identified with the country of Canada. This connection may be residential, legal, historical or cultural. For most Canadians, many (or all) of these connections exist and are collectively the source of ...

former

ice hockey Ice hockey (or simply hockey) is a team sport played on ice skates, usually on an Ice rink, ice skating rink with Ice hockey rink, lines and markings specific to the sport. It belongs to a family of sports called hockey. In ice hockey, two o ...

player. Paynter played in the

National Hockey League The National Hockey League (NHL; french: Ligue nationale de hockey—LNH, ) is a professional ice hockey sports league, league in North America comprising 32 teams—25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. It is considered to be the top ranke ...

(NHL) from 1985 to 1998.

Playing career

Junior hockey

Kitchener Rangers (1982-1985)

Paynter joined the

Kitchener Rangers The Kitchener Rangers are a major junior ice hockey team based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Midwest Division of the Western Conference of the Ontario Hockey League. The Rangers have won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OH ...

of the

OHL OHL or Ohl may refer to: Initialisms *Latvian Hockey Higher League, known in Latvian as the ''Optibet hokeja līga'' *Oberste Heeresleitung, the Supreme Army Command of Germany in World War I *Obrascón Huarte Lain, a Spanish construction company * ...

in 1982-83 after he was drafted by the club in the 3rd round, 44th overall, during the 1982 OHL Priority Selection. In his first season with the Rangers, Paynter scored four goals and 15 points in 65 games, helping Kitchener finish second in the Emms Division. In the post-season, Paynter scored a goal in 12 games. Following the season, Paynter was selected in the 8th round, 159th overall, by the

Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division i ...

in the

1983 NHL Entry Draft The 1983 NHL Entry Draft was the 21st NHL Entry Draft. It was held at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec, on June 8, 1983. The NHL Entry Draft is the primary means by which players arrive in the National Hockey League. The St. Louis Blues did ...

held at the

Montreal Forum Montreal Forum (french: Le Forum de Montréal) is a historic building located facing Cabot Square in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Called "the most storied building in hockey history" by ''Sporting News'', it was an indoor arena which served as the ...

Montreal, Quebec Montreal ( ; officially Montréal, ) is the second-most populous city in Canada and most populous city in the Canadian province of Quebec. Founded in 1642 as '' Ville-Marie'', or "City of Mary", it is named after Mount Royal, the triple-p ...

. Paynter returned to the Rangers in the 1983-84 season, in which he saw his offensive production improve. In 65 games, Paynter scored nine goals and 36 points, finishing third among Rangers defensemen in points. In the playoffs, Paynter scored four goals and 13 points in 16 games as the Rangers lost to the

Ottawa 67's The Ottawa 67's are a major junior ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, that plays in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Established during Canada's centennial year of 1967 and named in honour of this, the 67's currently play their h ...

in the J. Ross Robertson Cup final. As Kitchener hosted the

1984 Memorial Cup The 1984 Memorial Cup occurred May 12–19 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium in Kitchener, Ontario. It was the 66th annual Memorial Cup competition and determined the major junior ice hockey champion of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). Part ...

, the Rangers were invited to the tournament as the host team. At the tournament, Paynter had three assists in four games. Kitchener once again fell short of the championship, as they lost 7–2 to the 67's in the final game. Paynter came back to Kitchener for a third season in 1984-85, as he was named as the

captain Captain is a title, an appellative for the commanding officer of a military unit; the supreme leader of a navy ship, merchant ship, aeroplane, spacecraft, or other vessel; or the commander of a port, fire or police department, election precinct, e ...

of the Rangers. He helped the rebuilding club reach the post-season, as Paynter scored seven goals and 35 points in 58 games. In four playoff games, Paynter scored two goals and three points.

Professional career

Chicago Blackhawks (1983-1989)

Paynter joined the

after being drafted by the club in the eighth round, 159th overall, in the

. In his first professional season, in 1985-86, Paynter split his time between the

Nova Scotia Oilers The Nova Scotia Oilers were a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League based in Halifax, Nova Scotia from 1984 to 1988. The Oilers played their home games at the Halifax Metro Centre, and were the AHL affiliate of the Edmon ...

of the AHL and the

Saginaw Generals The Saginaw Hawks were an ice hockey team that competed in the International Hockey League from 1987 to 1989. Prominent former Saginaw Hawks include goalie Ed Belfour. The team was formerly known as the Saginaw Generals from 1985 to 1987. The Sa ...

of the IHL. In 23 games with the Oilers, Paynter had a goal and three points, while in four games with the Generals, Paynter earned an assist. In 1986-87, Paynter spent the entire season with the

, scoring two goals and eight points in 66 games with the team. In two playoff games, Paynter was held off the score sheet. During the 1987-88 season, Paynter spent a majority of it with the

Saginaw Hawks The Saginaw Hawks were an ice hockey team that competed in the International Hockey League from 1987 to 1989. Prominent former Saginaw Hawks include goalie Ed Belfour. The team was formerly known as the Saginaw Generals from 1985 to 1987. The S ...

of the IHL, scoring eight goals and 28 points in 74 games. In 10 playoff games, Paynter earned an assist. Paynter also spent a short amount of time with the

during the 1987-88 season. On December 5, 1987, Paynter made his NHL debut, as he was held scoreless in a 7–3 loss to the

Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The ...

, while taking a two-minute tripping penalty in the first period. Overall, Paynter appeared in only two NHL games with Chicago, with no points. The 1988-89 season was mostly spent in the IHL with the Saginaw Hawks. In 69 games, Paynter had 12 goals and 28 points, while accumulating 148 penalty minutes. In six playoff games, Paynter had two goals and four points. Paynter saw very limited action in the NHL during 1988-89 as he was held pointless in one game with the Blackhawks. Following the 1988–89 season, Paynter became a free agent.

Washington Capitals (1989-1991)

On August 21, 1989, Paynter signed with the

Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The team competes in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference, a ...

. Paynter spent most of the 1989-90 season with the

Baltimore Skipjacks The Baltimore Skipjacks were a minor league professional ice hockey team from Baltimore, Maryland, United States. The Skipjacks originated in 1979, and played as the Baltimore Clippers in the Eastern Hockey League for two seasons. The team wa ...

of the AHL. In 60 games, he scored seven goals and 27 points, and in 11 playoff games, Paynter scored five goals and 11 points. On January 8, 1990, Paynter appeared in his first game with the

, as he didn't earn a point in an 8–6 loss to the

Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Divi ...

. On January 16, Paynter earned his first NHL point, an assist, in a 9–6 victory over the

New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. The club was founded as the Kans ...

. On January 31, Paynter scored his first, and only, NHL goal, against

Daniel Berthiaume Daniel J. Berthiaume (born January 26, 1966) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played six seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota North Stars, Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, an ...

of the

Minnesota North Stars The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 26 seasons, from 1967 to 1993. The North Stars played their home games at the Met Center in Bloomington, Minnesota, and the team's colors fo ...

in a 4–3 win. In 13 games with the Capitals, Paynter had a goal and three points. On May 5, Paynter played in his first career NHL playoff game, as he was held with no points, and 10 penalty minutes, in a 3–0 loss to the

. In three playoff games, Paynter was held off the score sheet. Paynter returned to Baltimore for the 1990-91 season, scoring 10 goals and 27 points in 43 games. In the playoffs with the Skipjacks, Paynter had two goals and three points. Paynter also appeared in one regular season game with Washington during the 1990-91 season, as well as a playoff game, earning no points. On May 21, 1991, Paynter,

Tyler Larter Tyler Larter (born March 12, 1968) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre. He played one game in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Washington Capitals during the 1989–90 season. The rest of his career, which lasted from ...

, and

Bob Joyce Robert Thomas Joyce (born July 11, 1966) is a former Canadian ice hockey player who played six seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets between 1988 and 1993. He was drafted by the B ...

were traded to the

Winnipeg Jets The Winnipeg Jets are a professional ice hockey team based in Winnipeg. The team competes in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference, and is owned by True North Sports & Entertainment, p ...

for

Craig Duncanson Craig Duncanson (born March 17, 1967) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger. He was drafted in the first round, ninth overall, by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. He played 38 games in the National Hockey Leagu ...

, Brent Hughes, and

Simon Wheeldon Simon Wheeldon (born August 30, 1966) is a former ice hockey player. He played for the New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the New York City borough of Manhattan. They compete in the National Hocke ...

Winnipeg Jets (1991-1992)

Paynter joined the

for the 1991-92 season. He spent a majority of the 1991-92 season with the

Moncton Hawks The Moncton Hawks were a professional ice hockey team based in Moncton, New Brunswick. They played in the American Hockey League between 1987 and 1994, operating as a minor league affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets. Home games were played at the ...

of the AHL scoring three goals and 33 points in 62 games. In 11 playoff games, Paynter scored two goals and eight points. Paynter played in his first game with Winnipeg on November 25, earning no points in a 3–3 tie against the

Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary. The Flames compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference, and are the third major professional ice hockey tea ...

. He appeared in five games with Winnipeg, getting no points. On June 18, 1992, Paynter was claimed by the

Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (french: Sénateurs d'Ottawa), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member ...

in the

1992 NHL Expansion Draft The 1992 NHL Expansion Draft was an expansion draft held by the National Hockey League (NHL) to fill the rosters of the league's two expansion teams for the 1992–93 season, the Ottawa Senators and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The draft was held on ...

Ottawa Senators (1992-1994)

Paynter spent a majority of the 1992-93 season with the

New Haven Senators The New Haven Senators were a professional ice hockey team that played in the American Hockey League during the 1992–93 AHL season. The team played their home games at the New Haven Coliseum. The Senators were known as the New Haven Nighthaw ...

of the AHL, scoring seven goals and 24 points in 48 games. He appeared in his first game with Ottawa on January 19, earning no points in a 5–2 loss to the

Quebec Nordiques The Quebec Nordiques (french: Nordiques de Québec, pronounced in Quebec French, in Canadian English; translated "Quebec City Northmen" or "Northerners") were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City. The Nordiques played in the ...

. On February 9, Paynter earned 12 penalty minutes in an 8–1 loss to the

Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. The Flyers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home games in Wel ...

. In six games with Ottawa, Paynter had no points and 20 penalty minutes. Paynter saw most of his playing time with the PEI Senators of the

American Hockey League The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League (NHL). Since the 2010–11 season, every team in the le ...

during the 1993-94 season, scoring six goals and 26 points in 63 games. Paynter also played some games with Ottawa. On March 5, Paynter recorded his first point with the Senators, an assist, in a 6–1 loss to the

. In nine games with Ottawa, Paynter had an assist.

Milwaukee Admirals (1994-1998)

Paynter signed with the

Milwaukee Admirals The Milwaukee Admirals are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL). They play in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Panther Arena. They are affiliated with the NHL's Nashvil ...

of the IHL for the 1994-95 season. In 73 games, he scored three goals and 25 points. In five playoff games, Paynter had two goals and five points. He returned to the club for the 1995-96 season. Paynter scored nine goals and 28 points in 79 games, then added two assists in five playoff games for the Admirals. Paynter spent a third season with the Admirals during 1996-97 season. In 77 games, he scored 10 goals and 38 points. In three playoff games, Paynter had a goal and an assist. He began the 1997-98 season in Milwaukee, as Paynter had six assists in 15 games. Paynter was then traded to the

Indianapolis Ice The Indianapolis Ice were a minor league professional ice hockey team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that played in the International Hockey League from 1988 to 1999 and in the Central Hockey League from 1999 to 2004. Their original home aren ...

Indianapolis Ice (1997-1998)

Paynter finished the 1997-98 season with the

. In 37 games, Paynter had three goals and 10 points. In five playoff games, he earned an assist. Following the season, Paynter announced his retirement.

Career statistics

External links

*
Profile at hockeydraftcentral.com
{{DEFAULTSORT:Paynter, Kent 1965 births Baltimore Skipjacks players Canadian ice hockey defencemen Chicago Blackhawks draft picks Chicago Blackhawks players Ice hockey people from Prince Edward Island Indianapolis Ice players Kitchener Rangers players Living people Milwaukee Admirals players Moncton Hawks players New Haven Senators players Nova Scotia Oilers players People from Summerside, Prince Edward Island Prince Edward Island Senators players Ottawa Senators players Saginaw Generals players Saginaw Hawks players Washington Capitals players Winnipeg Jets (1979–1996) players