From Bulldogs to Devils: A Q&A with NHL Right Wing John Hayden

Born in Chicago but raised in Colorado, NHL right wing John Hayden came full circle after finishing his senior season at Yale and graduating in 2017 after which he joined the Chicago Blackhawks who drafted him in 2013. Before his recent trade to the New Jersey Devils, we met up in John in the Windy City and talked hockey and life. Here’s what you need to know.

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How did you first become interested in hockey? Who gave you your first pair of skates?

My mom got me my first pair of skates. When I was growing up in Colorado, the Avalanche and the University of Denver were having a lot of success and it made sense for me to play hockey at that time. I played many sports growing up but hockey eventually became my favorite.

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be and why?

I have a lot of teammates from Europe so it would be cool to visit their hometowns and see where they grew up. We spend a lot of time around the US and Canada for travel and we don’t get a chance to see their part of the world. My friend Nick and I have a list of golf courses we want to visit too.

Who taught you what it meant to be a man?

My dad. My dad is hardworking, capable and has shown me the meaning of character. There are certain things I see in his work ethic and in what he does for our family that I try to emulate. I also…