Better days for Travis Hayes
He has spent three full seasons with the Soo Greyhounds since they took him in the second round of the 2023 Ontario Hockey League priority selections draft. And while he has been a dependable right winger for the Hounds, the Metro Detroit product just could be on the verge of a breakout season in ’26-27.
A glance at the numbers that Hayes (in above photo by Bob Davies) has put up over three full seasons with the Hounds have been consistent, though not overwhelming. He has gone from 14 goals, 21 assists, 35 points in ’23-24 to 21 goals, 30 assists, 51 points in ’24-25 to 16 goals, 24 assists, 40 points in ’25-26. In total, the hard working Hayes has 51 goals, 75 assists, 126 points in 186 regular season games — and another four goals, three assists, seven points in 24 playoff outings.
Hayes has shown enough to have been a fourth round pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the 2025 National Hockey League Draft. Still, there are some who are of the notion that Hayes’ development has been hindered by since ousted Hounds head coach John Dean.
Whatever the case, long-time general manager Kyle Raftis knows what the Hounds have in the 6 foot, 170 pound forward with a 2007 birth date.
“Travis over the last three years has been a big part of our team, both on and off the ice. He is someone who could have easily gone to play at any NCAA program of his choosing, but he cares about this community, his teammates and this organization. He trusts that his development is most important to him and he’s ready to take that next step and break out as a leader for the Hounds,” Raftis relayed to Hockey News North.
“A fully healthy and motivated Travis Hayes is going to be a big part of our team,” Raftis continued. “The way he plays, the way he competes and his ability to drag us into the fight is something we are always looking for in a player … and Travis has that. We’re excited to see him take on that leadership role this season.”
A new season looms for Hayes and the Hounds. There is freshness in Hound Town with a new head coach — and proven winner — in Drew Bannister. And one can expect Hayes to play a major role.
HAYES OF HOCKEY. Notably, Travis Hayes is one of four hockey playing brothers in his family — all forwards. Older brothers are Avery Hayes and Gavin Hayes while Eli Hayes is the youngest of the four. Avery, 23, made it to the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins in ’25-26 and produced five goals in just 16 games. He starred in the OHL for both the Hamilton (now Brantford) Bulldogs and the Peterborough Petes, winning OHL championships with both teams. Gavin, 22, is a former OHL standout with both the Greyhounds and the Flint Firebirds. He just recently completed his second season as a prospect of the Chicago Blackhawks. And Eli, who has a 2009 birth date, was a 12th round pick by the Greyhounds at the 2025 OHL priority selections draft. Interestingly, all four Hayes brothers are represented by peerless player agent Eddie Mio of Octane Sports.
