Former OHL staff members Lennon, Payne join Penguins hockey operations

Former Kingston Frontenacs Director of Hockey Operations Ryan Lennon and longtime Barrie Colts Head Equipment Manager Morgan Payne have joined the American Hockey League’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Lennon has been named Video Coach after spending the past two seasons with the Frontenacs, serving as Director of Hockey Analytics and Video Coach before being promoted to Director of Hockey Operations ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The 24-year-old has also been active with Hockey Canada, recently being named Video Coach for Team Canada Red at the 2026 World U17 Challenge. He previously contributed pre-scouting video work for Canada’s entries at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Payne joins the Penguins as Assistant Equipment Manager following six seasons with the Barrie Colts, including the past five as Head Equipment Manager. A graduate of Humber College’s Sport Management program, Payne helped oversee the Colts’ equipment operations during a successful run that included the club capturing the Bobby Orr Trophy as Eastern Conference champions in 2025-26.

The pair are among several additions announced by the Penguins ahead of the 2026-27 AHL season, joining goaltending coach Karel Popper and Manager of Team Services Cédrik Cabana as new members of the club’s hockey operations department.