Owen Hayes is heading north of the border for the 2025-26 season.

Hayes, a Centennial native and Littleton Hockey Association alum, signed with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers recently.

He played the 2024-25 season with the Okanagan Hockey Colorado 15U AAA team, going for 21 goals and 55 assists for 76 points after being selected in the first round (16th overall) by the Tigers in the 2024 WHL U.S. Prospects Draft.

“Owen is an offensive forward known for his exceptional two-way effort and habits,” Medicine Hat director of player personnel Bobby Fox said. “He’s a skilled playmaker with tons of puck poise. He consistently delivers heads-up plays, showcasing strong vision and game sense.”

Hayes explained how Medicine Hat felt like the perfect fit right from Day 1.

“I was picked in the WHL U.S. Priority Draft and from that moment, the team in Medicine Hat has been great,” said Hayes. “The players and staff made me feel like it was a second home. I visited twice before I chose to sign, and when my family and I made the decision, I knew it was right. Before the rule change was made (allowing major junior players the right to play NCAA Division I hockey), I was timid about choosing the WHL because college has always been a dream of mine. So once the rule was made allowing for WHL players to go play college, I knew that was my path. Even without the rule change, I feel that I may have still chosen Medicine Hat just because of the way I have been treated there so far.

“I think major junior players having the ability to play NCAA opens up a whole new path, especially for Americans who have grown up watching college hockey and someday hope to play it. With the rule change, they can now go play in the top junior league in the world and still have the ability to chase their NCAA dreams.”

Hayes said he knows going to the WHL will be a major adjustment next season.

“While playing against top NHL prospects every night will be very difficult, I hope to grow as a hockey player and improve every day in preparation for my 17- and 18-year-old years and hopefully, the NHL draft,” Hayes said.

Getting his start in the game was something that began some 13 years ago.

“When my uncle left for college, my grandma passed down all of his floor hockey nets and sticks to my mom, who was pregnant with me at the time,” Hayes said. “The story goes that from an early age, I was obsessed with hockey but my parents waited until I was three to get out on the ice.”

Hayes eventually learned to skate at the University of Denver and began playing hockey with the Littleton Hockey Association, where he played until Okanagan.

“Over my career, several coaches have stood out to me, including Brian TenEyck, Kyle Hull and John Mitchell,” noted Hayes.

Looking ahead, Hayes has plans for the future that he hopes to tackle.

“My short-term goals would be if I play in the ‘Dub’ to work my way up the lineup and hopefully have a major role with my club,” said Hayes. “Long term, I want a career in the hockey industry.”

Photo/Jen Hayes

— Matt Mackinder

(July 3, 2025)