Remembering Hometown Hero Jimmy Hayes
If you’re a kid playing youth hockey in the Boston area, your dream is to one day lace up the skates for the B’s at the Garden. The likelihood of achieving that dream is one in a million, which is why Jimmy Hayes’ story was so picture perfect.
Dorchester, Boston College, Boston Bruins. Jimmy was the quintessential Boston hockey player. A hometown hero in every sense. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Jimmy Hayes is seeing the “Welcome Home Jimmy Hayes” banner hanging on the Dorchester Yacht Club when driving down 93. The feeling of pride that he brought to his community was evident.
Case in point:
Hockey aside, Hayes was well-liked because he was a great guy. This moment in 2017 left a lasting impression on this Devils fan:
“Let’s go, man.” In 2017 my son had the opportunity to greet the #NJDevils before they took the ice. Many players walked right past my son, who lives with a chronic disease. Jimmy Hayes was the ONLY player to not only fist-bump my son, but also speak to him. It made his day. pic.twitter.com/xv2TwF8vKJ
— Mother Leeds (@LeedsMother) August 24, 2021
The highlight of Hayes’ Bruins career came in 2015 when he recorded a hat trick against the Senators at the Garden:
A great young man who will be dearly missed by so many, especially his family who we’re all keeping in our thoughts. Rest In Peace to an absolute legend.