University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Ethan Heddinger
10/19/2026 11:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
BOSTON – For the second time in three weeks, University of Delaware ice hockey's sophomore goalie has been named the Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) Goaltender of the Week, as announced by the conference on Monday. The award, which recognizes Payne's performance in Delaware's series against Union, is the second of her career and second of the season for the Fightin' Blue Hens.
Payne was incredible in Delaware's 2-1 victory over the Garnet Chargers on Friday night, stopping 46-of-47 shots for a .979 save percentage. She made 15-of-16 saves in the first period, and then was perfect the rest of the night, making 31 saves over the final two frames, including 13 in the third period as Union pushed for the equalizer. Payne added 34 saves on Saturday afternoon in the weekend finale, giving her 80 saves and a .930 save percentage for the weekend.
For the season, the Oakville, Ontario native is second in AHA with 32.57 saves per game and third in the conference with a .927 save percentage. Nationally, Payne ranks second with 228 saves and her save percentage is ninth among all goaltenders who have played at least five games.
UP NEXT
Delaware will head out on the road for the first of back-to-back tips in the New York. The Blue Hens will remain out of conference this weekend as they head to Long Island for a series against LIU. Friday afternoon's contest will start at 3 p.m., while Saturday's game is scheduled for 2 p.m. Both games will be broadcast live on FloSports.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware ice hockey, follow the Fightin' Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
Payne was incredible in Delaware's 2-1 victory over the Garnet Chargers on Friday night, stopping 46-of-47 shots for a .979 save percentage. She made 15-of-16 saves in the first period, and then was perfect the rest of the night, making 31 saves over the final two frames, including 13 in the third period as Union pushed for the equalizer. Payne added 34 saves on Saturday afternoon in the weekend finale, giving her 80 saves and a .930 save percentage for the weekend.
For the season, the Oakville, Ontario native is second in AHA with 32.57 saves per game and third in the conference with a .927 save percentage. Nationally, Payne ranks second with 228 saves and her save percentage is ninth among all goaltenders who have played at least five games.
UP NEXT
Delaware will head out on the road for the first of back-to-back tips in the New York. The Blue Hens will remain out of conference this weekend as they head to Long Island for a series against LIU. Friday afternoon's contest will start at 3 p.m., while Saturday's game is scheduled for 2 p.m. Both games will be broadcast live on FloSports.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware ice hockey, follow the Fightin' Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
Friday, March 29
