Jimmy Hayes, a Boston College hockey legend, died this morning at the age of 31.
Hayes was a member of the Boston College hockey team from 2008 to 2011, before moving on to the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, and his native Boston Bruins, as well as a few AHL teams. Hayes’ brother Kevin, as well as cousins Ryan and Casey Fitzgerald, accompanied him to BC.
Hayes was a member of Boston College’s 2010 National Championship team. With the Eagles, he also won two Beanpots and two Hockey East Championships.
Hayes was a key player in a number of BC games, including scoring the game-winning goal in overtime in the 2011 Beanpot against Northeastern and scoring two goals in 23 seconds (while celebrating with John Wall) in BC’s 9-7 NCAA Regionals win against Yale. He finished his BC career with 41 goals and 81 points.
Hayes was also passionate about giving back. Hayes changed his number to 11 in remembrance of his friend, former Boston College and Babson hockey player Corey Griffin, who died in 2014. He also participated in a number of charity hockey games, including the Comm Ave Classic, which benefited the Travis Roy Foundation and Compassionate Care ALS.
Hayes was always entertaining to watch as a player because it was obvious how much he enjoyed himself. Hayes' attitude, more than his hockey performance, is what made him so popular in his hometown of Dorchester, at Boston College, and across the hockey community.
Anyone who knows anything about him would tell you that he was a lovely guy who was always ready with a joke and a smile. "Of all the kids I've coached, certainly in my top 5 as far as being nice to coach, to hang in the locker room with," Jerry York told the Globe's Matt Porter this morning. I was awestruck by his off-ice contributions to our squad on numerous occasions. "
Jimmy's family, friends, and former teammates are in our thoughts. All who knew him will miss his infectiously upbeat demeanor.
Reference:https://www.bcinterruption.com/2021/8/23/22638687/in-memory-of-jimmy-hayes
