Travis Hayes – Soo Greyhounds – Player Profile

HT	WT	DOB	POS	SH	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	NAT
5’11”	169	Sept 3, 2007	RW	R	25th 2023	119 NA	USA

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-2024	OHL	Soo Greyhounds	58	14	21	35
2024-2025	OHL	Soo Greyhounds	65	21	30	51

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Hayes took to hockey at an early age, showing a natural ability to read the game and execute plays with precision. His early years were spent honing his skills in youth leagues, where he quickly became known for his offensive prowess and ability to control the puck under pressure. His commitment to improvement led him to the OHL, where he joined the Soo Greyhounds and began making an impact almost immediately.

Since joining the Greyhounds, Hayes has consistently demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a strong two-way game. After a great rookie season, more was expected of him this season offensively however, it was a modest growth. The fact the Greyhounds were not an overly offensive team though needs to be taken into consideration.

Scouting Report: Strengths and Areas for Growth

Hayes’ scouting report paints a picture of a player with potential and a skill set that could translate well to the NHL. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his strengths and areas for improvement:

Strengths:

Speed and Agility: Hayes plays with high energy and speed, allowing him to create separation from defenders and drive offensive plays.

Physicality: He is not afraid to engage in battles along the boards and consistently wins puck battles, showcasing his strength and determination and will only get better once he adds some bulk.

Shooting Ability: His shot is powerful and accurate, making him a legitimate scoring threat from various positions on the ice.

Hockey IQ: Hayes has a strong understanding of the game, allowing him to anticipate plays and position himself effectively.

Work Ethic: He is known for his relentless effort on the ice, always keeping his feet moving and looking for ways to contribute.

Areas for Growth:

Consistency: While Hayes has shown flashes of brilliance, maintaining a high level of performance throughout the season will be crucial for his development.

Defensive Play: While his offensive game is strong, refining his defensive positioning and awareness will make him a more complete player.

Decision-Making: As he continues to develop, improving his ability to make quick and effective decisions under pressure will enhance his overall impact.

With his current trajectory, Hayes is poised to be a strong contender in the upcoming NHL draft. His combination of skill, speed, and determination makes him an exciting prospect for teams looking to add offensive firepower to their lineup. If he continues to refine his game and address areas for improvement, there is little doubt that he will make a successful transition to professional hockey.

As one of the younger players available for the draft – he is eligible for the 2025 draft by just 12 days – there is a lot of room for growth and development.