Hayes determined to show he's worthy of shot at the NHL

  When it comes to proving to National Hockey League scouts that his talent is NHL-caliber, 20-year-old Plymouth Whalers overage forward Ryan Hayes hasn't quite reached the make-or-break point.
  But the native of Syracuse, NY, is bound and determined to play like his professional hockey career is on the line this season.
  "With this being my last season in the OHL, this year is going to be huge for me," said Hayes, a hard-working

5-foot-9, 179 pound forward. "This is my chance to get teams to notice me. Hopefully if I work hard, I can earn a chance to get to an NHL camp and show them what I can do.

  Hayes was more than solid for the Whalers last season, his second with the team. He tallied 26 goals and 19 assists while racking up a stellar plus-12 plus/minus rating.
  The highlight of his season came in Game 4 of the Whalers' second-round playoffs series against eventual OHL champion Windsor when he scored the game-winning goal with less than three minutes to play.
  "To score a goal to beat Windsor at home, in the playoffs, in front of all of our home fans, that's something I'll never forget," the personalable Hayes said.
  Despite his young age, Hayes is a seasoned veteran in the world of high-caliber junior hockey. The experience he's garnered -- combined with his pleasant disposition -- make him a hit with youngsters at the Whalers' annual summer hockey camps.
  "I love working at the camps," he said, smiling. "I remember when I was a youngster and when somebody of my status or a professional player came to our camps, it made it a lot more fun.
  "We spend a lot of time with the kids and they seem to enjoy it. It's nice to be able to share what I've learned over the years with the up-and-coming players."

  Hayes feels strongly that life in the OHL will help him become a success in whatever post-hockey endeavor he chooses to pursue.
  "Especially all the appearances we do with kids has shown me what it takes to be responsible," he said. "It's cool to see how the different kids come from different backgrounds. I like trying to help them become better players and better people."