Photo Credit: Shaylah Rice
Kevin Hayes was nominated for the Bill Masterton Trophy, who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey. Hayes is the Flyers nomination, and he is more than deserving of this award.
“It’s an individual award but it’s definitely not possible without my family, my teammates, my coaches, this organization, players around the league and the fans in Philly,” said Hayes in a statement yesterday. “I’ve truly been grateful for everyone that’s tried to reach out that’s helped me and supported me and my family.”
Hayes continued, “It’s definitely been a whirlwind of a year for myself and my family. It’s been difficult but playing hockey this year was something I knew was going to be emotional. It had it’s ups and downs, but I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished this year and definitely been thinking about my brother when I do play.”
It wasn’t the easiest day/night for Kevin Hayes and his family when he returned back to his hometown in Boston. He took his nephew Beau, his late brother Jimmy Hayes’s son, for a pre-game skate earlier in the day. Kevin Hayes believed it was his first practice skate:
As one can imagine this wasn’t the easiest game for him to play, but he did make some nice passes to Zack MacEwen, who was snake bitten by the goal post, or Hayes would have ended with a multi-point game in his reunion of sorts back in Boston.
“It was emotional during warm-ups. It’s awesome coming back here and getting in front of your family and friends. A little emotional.” – Kevin Hayes
Healing and Grieving
After healing from his second abdominal procedure this year, to include a third procedure to drain fluid from his abductor region. Kevin Hayes has somehow managed to play in 45 games this season, while tallying nine goals and 21 assists. He has looked more like his self over the course of the past 20 games or so, and he’s got that long stride that he used to have when he was completely healthy a few years ago.
Unfortunately, the Flyers have had a history with sports hernia surgeries, Claude Giroux and Shayne Gostisbehere (Ghost) both had the same procedure done before the start of the 2016-17 season. Giroux posted 58 points (14 goals, 44 assists), and Ghost posted 39 points (7 goals, 32 assists). In addition, Brian Elliott also had the same procedure done a few years ago, and the Flyers wound up using eight different netminders in 2018-19, not to mention Nolan Patrick also had two sports hernia procedures completed, as well.
What did all players mentioned have in common after having this sports hernia surgery? Well, each player started off slow, and some did not play particularly well the following season. Hayes has been no different, and really took him more than a half a season to finally feel great again.
All In all, Hayes battles through a major injury, had the grieve unexpectedly over the course of the season. He could have gave up, but he persevered and chugged his way through the grueling season.
“Kevin is an excellent choice and is deserving of this nomination,” General Manager Chuck Fletcher said yesterday. “To return from both the physical and emotional challenges he faced this season speaks volumes about his character as a person, but also his commitment to our club and to his teammates. Kevin not only fought through many issues during the year, he performed at a high level and was one of our best players each time he was in the lineup.”
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