Draft:Manraj Hayer

Manraj Hayer (born January 20, 1993, in Vancouver, British Columbia) is a Canadian hockey player.

Early life and amateur career
Manraj Hayer first played for the Surrey Eagles in the BCHL before making a significant impact in the WHL with the Everett Silvertips​​.

He attended John Oliver Secondary School.

Burnaby Winter Club
Manraj Hayer's early development at the Burnaby Winter Club (BWC) laid the foundation for his successful hockey career.

Playing alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Manraj Hayer benefited from a high-caliber linemate, allowing both players to enhance their game. Nugent-Hopkins' exceptional skill set complemented Hayer's, fostering a dynamic partnership on the ice that contributed significantly to their team's performance and showcased their potential to scouts and fans alike. This experience played a pivotal role in Hayer's development as a player, offering him invaluable exposure and learning opportunities by competing alongside one of hockey's top prospects. Together they went on to win the BC AAA Championships. Nugent-Hopkins was ranked #1 in the province whereas Hayer was ranked #3 in the province. Nugent-Hopkins went #1 overall in the WHL draft whereas Hayer and the other players in the Burnaby Winter Club went undrafted due to a controversial decision to skip the All Star game by the players to prepare for the playoffs.

Greater Vancouver Canadians
Manraj Hayer's tenure with the Greater Vancouver Canadians in the BCEHL U18 stands out as a particularly impactful period in his early hockey career. Over the course of 40 regular-season games, Hayer demonstrated his offensive prowess by netting 23 goals and delivering 31 assists, culminating in an impressive total of 54 points. Moreover, Hayer's performance extended into the postseason, where he continued to make his presence felt across 6 playoff games. During these critical matchups, he managed to score 2 goals and provide 1 assist. Hayer was also selected to the All-Star team.

Surrey Eagles
Manraj Hayer joined the Surrey Eagles after a standout season with the Greater Vancouver Canadians, where he was fourth in league scoring with 54 points from 40 games. During his time with the Surrey eagles he had a combined 19 points in the regular season and playoffs.

During his time with the Surrey Eagles, Hayer's abilities on the ice were pivotal in crucial moments. Notably, his speed and on-ice intelligence led to a significant victory against the Victoria Grizzlies in a game that extended to double overtime. Hayer, alongside teammate Chris Santiago, executed a breakout leading to the game-winning goal, underscoring his critical role in the Eagles' success. This game was part of an eight-game winning streak for the Eagles, with Hayer's performance in these moments earning praise for his ability to make decisive plays when it mattered most​​​​.

Hayer also demonstrated his scoring prowess in a tight match against the Langley Chiefs, where he managed to open the scoring with a precision wrist-shot. This goal showcased not only his scoring ability but also his ability to perform under pressure, contributing significantly to the team's efforts in tightly contested matches​​.

Everett Silvertips
Hayer joined the Everett Silvertips of the WHL, where he played from 2010 to 2014. During his tenure, he participated in 194 games and accumulated a total of 103 points, consisting of 38 goals and 65 assists. His performance was particularly remarkable in the 2013-14 season, scoring 15 goals and contributing 28 assists, underscoring his offensive skills and leadership on the ice​​. Hayer also set records in his rookie year which stayed in place until [Connor Dewar] broke them recently. In November 2013 he was also voted the Carpenters Union Player of the Month. Multiple times in his career he helped lead the team to victory including against the Vancouver Giants when he scored a Hat-Trick.

Manraj Hayer's journey with the Everett Silvertips is a testament to perseverance and talent shining through, despite the odds. Starting as an undrafted player, Hayer's remarkable skills quickly became apparent during his time at the training camps. His performance was so stellar that he was promoted to the top line against veterans, where he continued to excel, despite his relatively small stature at 5-foot-8. This early promise led to a significant question: why Hayer, with such obvious talent and having played in high-profile programs alongside future stars like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, went undrafted. His journey from a free agent to a key player for the Silvertips underlines the unpredictability and opportunities within the WHL​​.

Hayer's impact grew over the years, becoming a vital player for Everett. By the 2012-2013 season, he had become a central figure, showcasing his skills across the board - from scoring to playing crucial roles in both the power play and penalty kill units. His resilience and work ethic, combined with a knack for scoring, made him one of the team's best forwards, highlighting the importance of determination and hard work in professional sports​​. In his final year in the WHL, he started off the preseason leading the league in scoring.

Signing with the Silvertips in 2010, Hayer's journey was marked by both high expectations and challenges. Despite facing setbacks, including injuries, he demonstrated his tenacity and skill, contributing significantly to the team's efforts and, at times, being the deciding factor in their victories. His performance in the 2013-2014 season, including a memorable hat trick, underscored his crucial role in the team's successes​​​​.

However, Hayer's career also faced significant challenges, particularly with injuries. A severe finger injury during a playoff game ended his season prematurely​.

University of British Columbia
After his time with the Silvertips, Hayer continued his hockey career at the University of British Columbia (UBC), joining the Thunderbirds. Here, he played in 208 games across four seasons, scoring 39 goals and adding 71 assists for a career total of 110 points. Hayer's successful transition from WHL to university hockey highlighted his adaptability and skill​​.

His significant contributions include scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against Mount Royal Cougars, marking a historic victory for UBC's 500th Canada West conference win. This achievement also celebrated the first win for new head coach Adam Shell. Hayer's performance was a key factor in this milestone victory, showcasing his enduring skill and determination on the ice​​.

Hayer's journey in hockey also highlights the growing diversity in the sport, as noted in an article discussing the Everett Silvertips trio, including Hayer. This discussion emphasizes the increasing recognition and celebration of minority players in hockey, contributing to the sport's development and inclusiveness. .

Post-career activities
Following his hockey career, Hayer has remained involved in the sport. His academic pursuits in kinesiology at UBC also reflect his dedication to understanding the physical aspects of sports performance​​. Following completing his education, Manraj Hayer transitioned into the health and wellness sector, contributing his skills and insights to Hayer Health.

Legacy and influence
Manraj Hayer's journey through the ranks of Canadian hockey, notably with the Everett Silvertips and the Surrey Eagles, not only highlights his skill and determination but also underscores his role in breaking barriers and paving the way for players of color, particularly those from the Indian/Punjabi community. His success in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and beyond has been instrumental in showcasing the talent and potential of minority players in a sport that is increasingly embracing diversity. By excelling on the ice and being part of a changing landscape in hockey, Hayer has helped to open doors for future generations of players from various backgrounds, making the sport more inclusive and reflective of Canada's multicultural society​​.