Hayes’ Brother Tells Emotional Story of Late Boston Bruins Winger

It was an emotional day in Dorchester on Monday as an entire community poured out their memories and love for one of their favorite sons, former Boston Bruins winger Jimmy Hayes, and prepared to say goodbye to the 31-year-old NHL player after his sudden, tragic passing.

Youth players from Dorchester lined the streets of the city and gave stick salutes, people from all around the NHL like PK Subban headed to Boston to pay their respects and Hayes’ friends and family gathered for an emotional, moving ceremony to remember a young man gone too soon. It was the best way to honor a hockey player that was always proud of his Dorchester heritage and will always stand as a shining example to other city kids with dreams of playing for Boston College, the Boston Bruins and beyond.

Kevin Hayes shared this beautiful story at his brother Jimmy’s funeral. pic.twitter.com/jkVosgLNmo

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 30, 2021

Most moving of all was a story shared by Hayes’ younger brother Kevin, who recalled a young 12-year-old cancer patient named Michael McCue that Jimmy welcomed into the Boston Bruins dressing room during his two seasons playing for thew Black and Gold.

“This was just one of the stories of how my brother changed many people’s lives,” said an emotional Kevin Hayes at Jimmy’s funeral while recalling his big brother setting an example of kindness that has long been a staple in the hockey community.

Kevin Hayes shared this beautiful story at his brother Jimmy’s funeral. pic.twitter.com/jkVosgLNmo

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 30, 2021

The story displayed Hayes’ humble nature, his big heart and the giving, generous and fun personality that so many people cherished around the hockey world. It all makes Hayes’ passing all the more painful and sad, but it also underscores just how many people’s lives that he touched in just 31 years on this planet.

The turnout in Dorchester, the overwhelming love and the warm, fond memories are something his family and friends will hold dear even if he’s now gone and will live on forever as a testament to a hockey life well-lived over such a painfully short time