Jake Hayes took the road less travelled on his route to being drafted in the 5th round by his hometown Calgary Roughnecks. The Calgary native reversed the trend by playing back east this year year with the Brooklin Redmen in Major Series Lacrosse in 2013. Normally you see many eastern guys moving west for more playing time, greener pastures, or to experience different scenery, but Hayes took on the challenge this past summer and used his experience to get drafted to the NLL. Scoring 20 points in 15 games this past season he undoubtedly received some great coaching and played the countryʼs most competitive box lacrosse.
This invaluable experience will be the most crucial if he is to make the Star studded Roughnecks this coming season. The 5ʼ8” 170 lb lefty will have a shot at a transition role with the riggers this season but will have a tall task before him.
Although not the biggest guy, Hayes has a great lacrosse IQ and is pretty experienced in his young career. He has played in two Minto Cups, a year playing Senior B in Alberta, and most importantly his rookie season in Ontario playing for the Brooklin Redmen. An experience that will serve him well as he continues his lacrosse career and tries to make his Pro debut this season.
