Return of condence ends Hayes' slump

Yes, this was the season for Hayes to step out of the long shadow of Bill Muckalt and carve his own niche as an offensive force in the CCHA.

It definitely started out that way. Hayes notched his first goal in a come-from-behind victory Oct. 16 against Niagara, and all preseason predictions looked on target.

Then a scoring slump hit, one that lingered for more than three months. At first, it wasn't that big a deal. Most of Hayes' production comes from behind-the-scenes tasks anyway - blocking shots, skating back hard to square up an odd-man rush or taki

CHRIS DUPREY Dupe's Scoop

ng the extra second to make the perfect pass to one of his wingers.

Bit by bit, though, the scoring slump began to affect his usually well-rounded game. Hayes began to take foolish penalties, and he was often seen pleading his case with referees to no avail while skating toward the penalty box.

It was a rare game when Hayes wasn't whistled for something, and it became a detrimental routine. His reputation with league referees changed from that of a flashy scorer to a frustrated center, and every penalty reinforced this.

Even worse, his attitude seemed to change, along with his play. Normally an upbeat guy, Hayes lost the ability to stay positive during the slump. He left practice every day, eagerly anticipating the next game and the next opportunity to break the skid but wary of the continued struggles it might bring.

Hayes hit rock bottom in a home victory over Western Michigan on Jan. 16, when he received a game disqualification for high sticking and the league-mandated one-game suspension. And with a crucial stretch of games ahead, Hayes had ample chance to contemplate his role.

Neither his teammates nor his coach ever lost confidence in him - Hayes just had to make sure he hadn't lost faith in himself.

Last weekend, he finally returned to old form. Facing conference powerhouses Michigan State and Notre Dame, Hayes' game was back where everyone expected it to be this season. His head was in the right place, and he picked his spots to play physical.

It would be too easy to point out Hayes' goal and assist against Notre Dame as proof of his return. A boxscore only goes so far. Sure his long pass to Mike Comrie on Saturday was one of the best feeds of the season, and his game-tying goal was clutch also.

But the real change was in the explosiveness of his stride, and the return of the confident attitude that had gotten him so far in collegiate hockey.

You can see the difference at any late afternoon practice, not just during the games. Hayes now leaves practice with a smile on his face, tossing out a joke or two to those who line the path to the lockerroom. Gone are the days when he would stare at the ground and clench his jaw while leaving the ice.

It's a new Hayes - and he didn't arrive a minute too late.

- Chris Duprey can be reached via e-mail at cduprey@umich.edu

02-03-99