Jimmy 'Broadway' Hayes Was Larger Than Life | FEATURE

Throughout Friday's game between the New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks there were plenty of references to 'Broadway' even though neither team is affiliated with the New York City avenue. This Broadway was referencing former Devil and Blackhawk Jimmy Hayes, who passed away on Aug. 24, 2021.
The pride of Dorchester, Massachusetts had connections to both teams in Friday's game. After a trade sent Hayes to the Blackhawks, the forward made his NHL debut in 2011 and played three seasons with the organization. Hayes played for New Jersey in the 2017-18 season, 33 games with the main squad and three games with Binghamton of the American Hockey League. Although it was a short period of time, Broadway, had a huge impact on the Devils franchise.
"His infectious personality and easygoing nature were contagious to all who spent time with him. He had a tremendous ability to make everyone feel welcome," Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald said in a statement. Hayes was Fitzgerald's cousin and he played for the franchise while Fitzgerald was assistant GM.

It's no surprise the Devils wanted to celebrate Hayes, who played parts of eight seasons in the NHL with four teams, in New Jersey's first game of the 2021-22 season. Throughout morning skate, 'Jimmy' patches and decals were present on the coaches' jackets and players' helmets. Hats were worn by players on both teams throughout the day. When the home team hit the ice for warmups, every player was sporting Broadway and the number 10, on their jerseys, in honor of their friend.
"It's heartbreaking so just to try to support their family and do whatever we can to help them, that's the biggest thing," Hamilton said. "Keep Jimmy and his name living on forever."
During the first TV timeout of the game, the Devils tribute video to Hayes played for the capacity crowd. Following, New Jersey recognized the presence of the Hayes family including his parents, Shelagh and Kevin, and his wife Kristen. The family received a standing ovation while the crowded cheered Jimmy's name.
"It was a great tribute," Devils head coach Lindy Ruff said. Ruff coached Jimmy's brother, Kevin, at the NY Rangers. "I thought it was an awesome tribute and he was a pretty special guy."
Even for players and coaches around the league who didn't know Jimmy personally, everyone knew Broadway was an electric presence. It may seem impossible to sum up the legacy of someone like Jimmy, his brother Kevin did his best friend and brother justice in an Instagram post following his passing:
"Everyone wanted to be around Jim, the big, goofy, horrible dancer, funny, genuine, and kindest person around," Kevin wrote. "Our world lost someone special and I don't know if I will ever be the same but til we meet again, I LOVE YOU JIM!"