Kevin Hayes shares touching story at Jimmy Hayes’ funeral; fans pay tribute with stick salute

It’s been a sad week in the hockey world since the death of Jimmy Hayes last Monday. Jimmy Hayes, a Boston native, died unexpectedly on August 23rd at the age of 31.

It’s been a particularly sad week for the Boston hockey world and, by extension, the Philadelphia hockey world. Jimmy’s younger brother, Kevin Hayes, is a member of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Jimmy Hayes was a member of the Boston College team that won the championship in 2010, alongside fellow NHLers Cam Atkinson, Brian Dumoulin, and Chris Kreider. The Hayes brothers were teammates at Boston College for the 2010-11 season.

pic.twitter.com/epF6aL5MbL

— Cam Atkinson (@CamAtkinson13) August 25, 2021

Jimmy played seven seasons in the NHL for four different teams, the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, and New Jersey Devils.

“The NHL family mourns the passing of Jimmy Hayes, who appeared in over 300 games with the Blackhawks, Panthers, Devils and his hometown Bruins,” the League said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Kevin shared a beautiful tribute to Jimmy on his Instagram last Tuesday.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kevin Hayes (@kphayes12)

The services for Jimmy Hayes were held on Monday, August 30th. Kevin Hayes shared a beautiful story that shows just how great of a person Jimmy was.

You might need tissues for this one.

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

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 30, 2021

Hayes touched a lot of people both inside and outside of the hockey world throughout his life.

P.K. Subban, who played with Jimmy in New Jersey, shared a few touching scenes from Dorchester, Massachusetts.

All for Jimmy🙏🏿❤️ pic.twitter.com/SjfjAbAJzZ

— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) August 30, 2021

Stick Salute to Jimmy 💙
🎥 via: @PKSubban1 pic.twitter.com/Dccel3pdZw

— Missin Curfew (@MissinCurfew) August 30, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy’s family and friends, and anyone he impacted throughout his meaningful life.

Rest in peace, Jimmy. We’ll leave a stick out for you.

Photo: Heather Barry Images