BC Hockey Preview of Champions: Kevin Hayes, #12

Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

Sometimes, it’s hard getting out of the shadow of your big brother. Kevin Hayes was not the first Boston College Eagles hockey player to have a sibling precede him, and he won’t be the last. It isn’t easy to have to follow up an act like the one Jimmy Hayes put on at BC, but so far, the younger Hayes is acquitting himself well.

Kevin Hayes, a Dorchester native, started his journey at Noble & Greenough, where he was a teammate of current Eagle Bill Arnold. In his senior year, he and Arnold tied for the team lead in points, but Hayes was the Prep Player of the Year for that season. He also played for the US Under-18 team during his high school days. Hayes and Arnold would eventually follow each other to Boston College, which is where Kevin’s older brother, Jimmy, already played. Like Jimmy, Kevin is also set to end up in the Chicago Blackhawks system: the older brother has already played for Chicago, while the younger was drafted by them in 2010.

Meanwhile, in his time at Boston College, Kevin Hayes has had two decent years. As a freshman, he got into 31 games and gathered 14 points (4g, 10a), though two of his goals were on the power play. Hayes’ playing time increased markedly in his sophomore year, during which the Eagles won the national title. He appeared in all 44 games and totaled 28 points, notably scoring three game-winning goals.

Kevin Hayes now enters his junior year. I would not think he is a flight risk for the NHL just yet, but expect him to see more time on the ice this year and for him to possibly improve upon his point totals. He’s a big guy and a talented player who will get plenty of opportunities to shine during the 2012-13 season.