Getting To Know: Kevin Hayes

Status: New York Rangers right wing.

Ht: 6-5 Wt: 225 pounds

DOB: May 8, 1992 In: Boston, MA

First Hockey Memory: "Probably just skating with my grandfather and my brother (Jimmy). I was probably six years old. Used to use a milk crate while my brother was skating around. Parents probably forced me to do it [smiles]."

Hockey Inspirations: "My two cousins played in the NHL (Tom Fitzgerald and Keith Tkachuk). I kinda liked following them and stuff. I lived in Boston which is a sports town, so, probably I'd say following my cousins and my brother."

Last Book Read: "Drew Brees, Coming Back Stronger."

Current Car: "Jeep Wrangler."

Nickname: "Haysie"

Greatest Sports Moment: "Probably winning the National Championship here, actually in Tampa (with Boston College in 2012)."

Most Painful Moment: "Probably getting injured in my junior year. (What happened?) I popped all my blood vessels in my leg. (How?) I got kneed."

Favorite Uniforms: "Maine Black Bears."

Favorite Rink To Play: "I haven't played in a lot. So...I don't even know all our road arenas...probably the Alfond Arena up in Maine."

Why Do You Love Playing Hockey: "It's just something I've been doing my whole life. And (it) brings a lot of joy in my life. And it's just a fun game, to be around the guys and get to know a group of guys and be able to share the common intent and go after a certain goal as a team."

Funniest Rangers Encountered: "On this team, probably Klein."

Closest NHL Friends(s): "Johnny Gaudreau."

Fiercest Competitors Encountered: "Billy Arnold (former teammate at Boston College). Plays in Adirondack right now."

Most Memorable Goal: "Probably just in the Bean Pot. A goal in the Bean Pot (tournament)."

Funny Hockey Memory: "A lot of things make me laugh. Maybe it'd be going over video or something, I'm not sure."

Embarrassing Hockey Memory: "Probably in high school when I went out on the ice with my skate guards on."

Favorite Sport Outside Hockey: "Basketball, college basketball."

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: "Cookie dough."

Three Athletes You Like To Watch & Follow: "Tom Brady. David Ortiz. And Paul Pierce."

First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: "My cousin Keith Tkachuk."

Strangest Game: "We had to cancel a game due to humidity at BC once."

Personality Qualities Most Admired: "Just people that are funny and outgoing. Trustworthy."

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