Kevin Hayes – Center, Philadelphia Flyers

On August 23rd, 2021, former National Hockey League Right Winger Jimmy Hayes was found dead in his home. It has since been reported that his untimely death was due to acute intoxication by cocaine and fentanyl drug use.

Jimmy’s widow, Kristen Hayes, remarked his death as a complete surprise and stated, “… He never showed any signs of struggle at home.” This highlights the extent to which someone struggling with addiction might hide their drug use due to shame and stigma. Kevin Hayes Sr., Jimmy’s father, commented on his own personal struggles with addiction and noted that he advocated for his son to get help. Kevin Sr. maintained his support for his son after noticing a change in behavior when Jimmy began taking prescription pills for an injury.

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It is rather common for a person to fall victim to addiction after being introduced to prescription drugs. According to National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 6% of Americans over the age of 12 abuse prescriptions in a year. That is about 16 million people. With athletes, they are often prescribed opioids to treat pain following an injury or surgical procedure. These types of medications are known to carry serious risks of addiction and overdose, particularly with extended use (CDC.gov). It is vital to seek or get help as soon as possible to avoid the slippery slope of drug dependence.

In the wake of Jimmy’s death was another family member who was left to pick up the pieces of this tragedy… Philadelphia Flyers KevinHayes, Jimmy’s little brother.

Whilst also recovering from his second abdominal surgery, Kevin, or Hayesy as he is known by his colleagues, trusted that his teammates would help him cope with the shockwave of his brother’s passing. Recognizing the critical balance of mental health as a priority in sport and performance were Hayesy’s teammates and coaches, some of which knew and played with Hayesy and members of his family before his professional career. The engagement they had with Hayesy, the player, came after the support system and community created for Kevin, the person.

On Tuesday November 16th, 2021, Kevin Hayes returned to the Wells Fargo Center (Flyers’ home arena) for the first time since the passing of his brother and best friend Jimmy. Kevin helped the Philadelphia Flyers defeat the Calgary Flames in a 2-1 overtime battle. His appearance was almost short-lived after getting twisted up on a play that led him to the locker room in pain. Kevin was able to return to the game and finish his first home appearance with a scored goal and tribute to his late brother after the play. “One that I remember forever.”, stated Hayes after the game. Through his adversity, processing grief, toughing through the injury process, regaining his sensation for play, and adapting to a new state of consciousness, Kevin etched his first goal of the season and then pointed to the heavens above in honor of his big brother.

Top Form Psychology pays tribute to the Hayes Family and honors Kevin Hayes and the Philadelphia Flyers as our TOP perFORMer of the month.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, please use the links below for support and resources.

National

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Local

https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/clients/addiction/