The entire hockey community is mourning after the sudden passing of former NHL player and NCAA champion Jimmy Hayes. According to a law enforcement official, medics were called to the Hayes home in the Boston suburbs on Monday to check on the 31-year-old hockey star, pronounced dead shortly after.
Once the news broke, tributes came pouring in for Hayes, who made a name for himself with his hockey exploits in the city of Boston. Boston College offered its condolences to the Hayes family via Twitter, posting a message that said, "Boston College Hockey is heartbroken over the passing of Jimmy Hayes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hayes family."
Hayes forever a legend in Boston after NCAA heroics
Hayes first rose to prominence in 2008 when the Toronto Maple Leafs drafted him in the second round as the 60th overall pick. Hayes didn't go straight to the big leagues, though, as he first embarked on a highly successful collegiate career.
He was instrumental in giving Boston College its second straight national championship in 2010, recording 13 goals and 22 assists in 42 games played during his sophomore season. Hayes left Boston College with 41 goals and 81 points, leading the Eagles to a pair of Beanpots and a couple of Hockey East Championships.
He finally made his NHL debut in December 2011 with the Chicago Blackhawks, playing a total of 31 games for them. After his stint with the Blackhawks ended in 2014, Hayes became a journeyman in the NHL, suiting up for the Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, and his hometown team Boston Bruins, before his career ended following the 2017-18 season.
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NHL teams pay tribute to veteran Hayes
Hayes played a total of 334 games during his seven-year NHL career, recording 54 goals and 55 assists during that stretch. The Blackhawks released a statement, saying that Hayes' warm personality made an immediate impact in the locker room and their fans.
The Bruins also paid tribute to their former player, saying they are heartbroken by the death of the Dorchester native and that their thoughts are with Hayes' wife Kristen and their sons Beau and Mac.
The Boston Bruins are heartbroken by the passing of Dorchester native and former Bruin Jimmy Hayes. Our thoughts are with his wife Kristen, his sons Beau and Mac, and the entire Hayes family during this very difficult time. pic.twitter.com/j9W7CyxSGs
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) August 23, 2021
It is still unclear what caused Hayes' death with details surrounding his untimely passing still limited at this stage. The Boston Globe reported, however, that Hayes' wife Kristen recently posted photos of their family at an arcade to celebrate the birth of one of their children, and the NHL star looked okay in the said pictures.
Apart from his wife and sons, Hayes is survived by his parents, Shelagh and Kevin Sr., and his four siblings. Kevin, his younger brother, is also an NHL player who plays center for the Philadelphia Flyers.
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