The NAHL has announced that Wisconsin Windigo forward Hunter Hayes is the NAHL Forward of the Month.

Making a splash ever since he joined the Windigo in February, Hayes has blazed a path of his own. The Lodi native averaged over two points per game in March. In his nine games last month, there was only one game he was pointless. That one game was his first pointless game since Jan. 24.

Hayes joined the Windigo in early February from the Minnesota Mallards. The 21-year-old notched six goals while leading the league in March with his 14 assists, 20 total points, and a plus-13 rating. He had two four-point games in the month.

His first four-point game was on March 7 against the Chippewa Steel. During this matchup, he produced his first hat trick of the season alongside an assist on John Halverson’s goal. His second four-point game was on March 22 against the Kenai River Brown Bears. Hayes played a role in every goal except one. He tallied three assists before scoring the last goal of the matchup. Hayes’ contribution to the scoresheet has been major as six out of his nine contests in March were multi-point games.

Hayes shared what it means to be recognized by the NAHL.

“It is a huge honor to win this award,” said Hayes. “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. 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.”

Hayes’ offensive dominance has been felt since joining the Windigo. In his 14 games played with Wisconsin, he has tallied 12 goals, chipped in 16 assists, and added a plus-21 rating. His offensive help on the ice has been felt at critical moments of the matchups with four of his 12 goals being game-winning goals. The Golden State skater was named as a 2025 Top Prospect for Team Central and in the tournament, produced an assist.

Windigo assistant coach Bryce Reddick explained what it means to have Hayes lacing up for the squad.

“Hunter has been awesome for us since we acquired him at the deadline,” Reddick said. “He is playing a well-rounded 200-foot game and the hockey gods are rewarding him on the scoresheet. As a staff, he has been an absolute joy to work with and have in our dressing room.”

Back home, Hayes played for the Golden State Elite Eagles and Saint Mary’s High School.

— NAHL Staff

(April 6, 2025)