It's not very often you are graced by the presence of hockey royalty. When a Gretzky, an Orr, or a Lemieux walk into the room, you can feel it. There is an energy in the air, memories drifting through everyone's mind as the stars appear in their eyes. You can almost hear the commentators, the chants, the sounds of the game. These icons carry hockey with them wherever they go.
The same goes for Barrie Colts legend Bryan Hayes.
Some say that 47 career games suiting up for a franchise is "short" career for a player. Well, maybe it is. But ol' Hayes-y took advantage of it by recording a full assist over his time there.
On September 28, 2017, the Colts finally paid tribute to their former star. They hosted OverDrive night at the Molson Centre which included Hayes receiving a customized jersey with his rightfully deserved captain's "C" stitched right on. Hayes also took charge of the ceremonial puck drop before the Colts took on the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds and watched the game from a box seat as the honourary guest along with his OverDrive co-hosts Noodles (Jamie McLennan) and O-Dog (Jeff O'Neill).
Watch highlights of the momentous occasion here.
On Wednesday, Barrie Colts' captain Justin Murray and Director of Community and Social Brad Terry dropped by the OverDrive studio to present Hayes with a framed memory.
McLennan and O'Neill may have had successful NHL careers, but both will forever live comfortably in the shadow of their colleague - Bryan freakin' Hayes.
