Former NHLer Jimmy Hayes, 31, was a “giant of a young boy” with a huge heart

Rarely seen without a huge smile on his face, Jimmy Hayes could be an intimidating force when he needed it.

But intimidation wasn’t the first thing that came to mind when describing the gentle giant.

A 31-year-old who has played seven seasons and 334 games in the NHL, Hayes used his 6-foot-5 chassis to get to the net and maneuver in tight spaces. But more importantly, Hayes was someone who made a positive impact on everyone from teammates to opponents.

Hayes was found dead Monday after authorities were called to his home in a Boston suburb. He leaves behind a wife, two children and four siblings, including Philadelphia Flyers center Kevin Hayes, and his parents. He is also the first cousin of Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk and Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk.

The Boston Globe reported that the death was not suspected. No lawsuit was released.

“All my life it has always been Jimmy and Kevin or the Hayes brothers. I have followed you around for as long as I can remember and I would not like it to be otherwise,” Kevin Hayes wrote in an Instagram post. “Whether it was Youth Hockey, Nobles, Boston College or NHL, you paved the way for me. You taught me everything I needed to know to be successful.”

Tributes honoring Hayes praised the wing nicknamed “Broadway”.

“Jimmy was the kind of guy everyone wanted to be around,” said Chicago Blackhawks center Adam Gaudette, who grew up close to the Hayes family. on Twitter. “The Hayes boys are great role models for all young hockey players in the Boston area, including myself.”

Hayes has played with the Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils in his career, scoring 54 goals and 55 assists.

Hayes’ memories mention his smile and his funny side, whether it be introducing various family members at a Christmas Eve party before the 2016 Winter Classic or more recently on Instagram when his wife Kristen posted the family celebrating. the birthday of his young son.

“I have no words,” Hayes’ wife Kristen said on Instagram. “My heart is broken. We miss you. We love you. You should be here.”

Before being cast in the 60th overall pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2008, Hayes starred at Boston College for three seasons under the tutelage of legendary coach Jerry York. Hayes helped lead the Eagles to two Beanpots and two Hockey East titles and a national championship in 2010.

York, who will enter his 50th season as a collegiate manager, said he received news of Hayes’ death from another player and is still trying to process the news.

“Fantastic player. Great strong and strong player. He took us to many championships, but more importantly, he was just an incredible teammate, “York told USA TODAY Sports on Monday.” If I were to rank my top five players that I enjoyed coaching, he would definitely be among my first five. His whole family intertwined with the BC family and I was totally shocked. I’m just a little bit devastated by the news. “

Hayes recently played for the American Hockey League’s Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins during the 2018-19 season.

Hayes hosted a podcast called “Missin Curfew” with former players Shane O’Brien and Scottie Upshall, releasing their latest show on August 5th.

York says for himself and the hockey community, Hayes’ death will hurt for a while, not just because he was charitable with his time, but because his positive and outgoing attitude infected everyone he knew.

“He is a giant of a young boy. Just a big person, but his heart was just as big. And a great teammate, he invariably brings groups of players back to his home for dinner in Dorchester (Massachusetts). During the summer months, three out of four boys went to sleep at his home. Very outgoing personality, optimistic, just a great, great teammate, “York said.