The hockey community came together Monday to remember the life of Jimmy Hayes.
Hayes, a Boston native and former Boston College star who spent two of his seven NHL seasons with the Bruins, died unexpectedly Monday at age 31.
The BC hockey team was among the first to issue a statement on social media following Hayes' death, while longtime Eagles head coach Jerry York reflected on what Hayes meant to his program.
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SIGN UP HERE "Of all the kids I've coached, certainly in my top five as far as being enjoyable to coach, to hang in the locker room with," York said Monday, via The Boston Globe's Matt Porter. "His off-ice contributions to our team, I marveled at so many different times.
"Really good player. Won championships. Played in the National Hockey League. But as a young guy, just an enjoyable person. A lot of it comes from his family. Unbelievable family. Great city kid, you know? Always had that city grind to him, that city tenacity."
The Bruins and their AHL affiliate in Providence also offered their condolences to Hayes, while team captain Patrice Bergeron recalled in a statement that Hayes was "such a joy to be around both on and off the ice."
New York Islanders forward Austin Czarnik, who played with Hayes in Boston from 2015 to 2017, called Hayes "one of the best teammates you could ask for" Monday.
The NHL Alumni Association and two of Hayes' former NHL teams also gave their thoughts and prayers to the Hayes family.
Hayes was a fan favorite outside the hockey community, as well. New England Patriots center David Andrews reflected on Hayes' passing in a heartfelt tweet.
Hayes, who was the brother of Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes, leaves behind his wife Kristen and two sons Beau and Mac.