By: Nathan Anderson | Follow me on Twitter @dairybeast
This is not the news I want to be breaking right now. Former Bruin and Massachusetts native Jimmy Hayes has passed away at the age of 31. Hayes played with his hometown Bruins for two seasons from 2015-2017, totaling 34 points in 133 games.[1] He also spent time with the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, and New Jersey Devils during his seven-year NHL career. Most Bruin fans, myself included, will remember him as a Massachusetts-born and raised kid who got to live out every kid’s dream of playing for their hometown team in the National Hockey League.
Before the NHL, Hayes grew up in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and attended Boston College for three years, where he won an NCAA National Championship and two Hockey East championships. The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Hayes in 2008, but he made his professional debut as a member of the Blackhawks organization with their AHL affiliate, the Rockford Ice Hogs, in 2011. [2]
According to John Buccigross on Twitter, Hayes will leave behind his mom and dad, his wife Kristen, and two infant sons. His brother Kevin is currently a forward for the Philadelphia Flyers, and he also had three sisters. This is a shock not only to Boston Bruins fans but to fans all over the Massachusetts and New England area. The Hayes brothers are adored by many for their charismatic easing going demeanor and gritty style on the ice. The BNG Productions team would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the Hayes family and Jimmy’s friends, who are in an unfathomably hard position at this time.
Rest in Peace, Jimmy. You will always have a place in the hearts of Bruins fans around the globe.
[1] https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/hayesji01.html
[2] https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/11463/jimmy-hayes
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