For Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes, 2021 was particularly tough year, following the loss of his brother Jimmy Hayes (a 2nd round pick by the Leafs in 2008) this past August due to an apparent accidental drug overdose. The Hayes family was rocked by the news, but Jimmy also had a second family who was also impacted by the tremendous loss. The Boston Bruins.
Kevin Hayes has been very complimentary of the Bruins' organization since his brother's passing, but one player in specific appears to have made a massive impact that the Hayes family will not soon forget. His name is Brad Marchand.
Hayes told ESPN's The Point on Thursday that Marchand has gone above and beyond for his brother's family, including his nephew, Beau. Hayes is blown away by the support and felt the need to publicly acknowledge Marchand, specifically.
"The Bruins have been amazing with my family and my brother's family, especially Brad Marchand. He has played street hockey with [Jimmy's son] Beau. He went down to the local Dorchester rink and hung out with them, got them sticks, got them pucks. Beau wants to be Kevin Hayes and Brad Marchand every single morning when he wakes up."
Hayes had January 13th circled on his calendar, as it was his first appearance in Boston this season, and a particularly special one for him, given the support that Marchand and the organization has provided to their family during their most vulnerable moments.
