Hayes named NAHL forward of the month

Wisconsin Windigo’s Hunter Hayes was recently named forward of the month for March, announced by the North American Hockey League earlier this month. Hayes has made a major impact ever since joining the Windigo, especially in his nine games in March.

Ever since being acquired in early February, he averaged over two points per game in March, scoring six goals in the process. The lefty led the NAHL with 14 assists, 20 total points, and a +13 rating in March as well.

In addition, there was only one game where the 21-year-old didn’t score a point and registered two four-point contests during that span.

“It is a huge honor to win this award. I felt I had a good month individually, and our team had a great month, clinching a playoff spot and extending our first-place position,” stated Hayes. “I believe our overall team success leads to my individual success. My linemates also made the game really easy, and our power play coming together helped a lot.”

His first four-point game was on March 7, 2025, against the Chippewa Steel.

He scored half of his month’s goal total in that one game, getting his first hat-trick of the season. He also tallied an assist in the game.

His second four-point game was on March 22, 2025, against the Kenai River Brown Bears. It was a different kind of effort from Hayes en route to his four points.

He tallied three assists and one goal, which was part of a trend of six out of nine games where he had multiple points.

The coaching staff has seen the impact the California player has made on the team ever since putting the Windigo sweater on.

“Hunter has been awesome for us since we acquired him at the deadline. He is playing a well-rounded 200-foot game, and the hockey gods are rewarding him on the scoresheet,” said Windigo assistant coach Bryce Reddick.

The Windigo will start the divisional playoffs this weekend, Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, with home ice throughout the divisional round.