Aug. 23 (UPI) — Former NHL player Jimmy Hayes, who won a national hockey championship at Boston College before playing seven seasons at the professional level, died Monday. He was 31.
Authorities said medics were called Monday morning to Hayes’ home in the Boston suburbs, where he was pronounced dead. His death isn’t considered suspicious. No further details were disclosed.
The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Hayes — a 6-foot-5 winger — in the second round of the 2008 draft. Two years later, he helped guide Boston College to the 2010 national title, notching 13 goals and 22 assists over 42 games as a sophomore.
Hayes made his NHL debut in December 2011 after he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks.
“His warm personality made an immediate impact in the locker room and with our fans,” the Blackhawks said in a news release. “We’re proud of the memories he made in Chicago.”
Hayes recorded 54 goals and 55 assists across 334 career games in the NHL. He also played for the Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils.
In a statement on social media, the Bruins said the franchise is “heartbroken” over Hayes’ death.
“The Boston Bruins are heartbroken by the passing of Dorchester native and former Bruin Jimmy Hayes,” the team said. “Our thoughts are with his wife Kristen, his sons Beau and Mac, and the entire Hayes family during this very difficult time.”
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
Hayes last played professionally in 2019. He had been a co-host of a podcast called Missin Curfew.
Kevin Hayes, Jimmy’s younger brother, currently plays center for the Philadelphia Flyers.
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