Player wants to win fans over

The 6-foot-6 hulking forward knows he played well in yesterday’s preseason opener, but wants to silence the negative chatter he’s heard recently thanks to his performance last season.

The 26-year old winger, Jimmy Hayes, knows that his size is welcomed to stand in front of the net and obstruct the opposing goalie’s view.

He also wants to quiet his haters, and turn them into raging fans.

“I’ve got a lot to come out here and… [there were] a lot of comments about myself, but I know I’m a good player. I got to this level for a reason,” said Hayes.

“To be able to play at the NHL level and continue to play at that level on a consistent basis is what I expect out of myself.”