Gavin Hayes

About

Professional ice hockey player known for having played as a left winger for the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League, the Soo Greyhounds and Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League, and for representing the United States internationally while developing in the Chicago Blackhawks organization.

Before fame

He grew up playing competitive youth hockey and emerged as a high-end junior prospect at an early age. He was selected 16th overall by the Flint Firebirds in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection in 2020 which was his entry into major junior hockey. He made his Ontario Hockey League debut during the 2020-21 season and played his first full year in 2021-22. He was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the third round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft in July 2022 and signed his three-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in April 2023. He turned professional after he joined the Rockford IceHogs in April 2024. 

Trivia

He shoots right-handed but primarily plays left wing. He represented the United States at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden where Team USA won the gold medal.

Family life

He was born and raised in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He comes from a close-knit hockey family with three brothers who also play hockey. His older brother Avery Hayes has played for the Pittsburgh Penguins. His younger brother Travis Hayes has played in the Ontario Hockey League and was a teammate of his during part of the 2023-24 season.

Associated with

He and Connor Bedard were both drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks.