Brogan Hayes (Left) taking a picture with Blackhawks Center Pat Maroon (Right). Brogan Hayes
Many professional sports teams have fans who will attend every game, fans who could give a history lesson on a franchise, and fans who will defend their team to the end, but not many have the opportunity to become fan of the year.
Recently, Senior Brogan Hayes won the Chicago Blackhawks’ 4th Star of the Year. This award is given to the biggest Chicago Blackhawks fan. Hayes, who has been a Blackhawks fan all of his life, has claimed that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that many can’t say they have claimed. To win this award, you must submit a video and advance through a tournament through public voting to have a chance to become the Star of the Year.
The video that Hayes sent showed him playing his favorite table game: foosball hockey. Hayes gave reasons why he should win this award by stating that he watches every Blackhawks game that airs on television, then reenacts moments in those games on his foosball table.
“[At the end of my video], I pretended to pass it to Philipp Kurashev, then Connor Bedard, and [he scored], which was dope,” explained Hayes.
Hayes submitted the video over Winter break. After that, Hayes went on and asked all of his friends and professors here at Saint Xavier, along with his family, to vote for him as Star of the Year. Hayes made sure his passion for being a proud Blackhawk fan would be known across the Chicago area, seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“…Getting the experience and fun, because this is a one-time-only thing…,” said Hayes.
Hayes isn’t just a superfan, but a diehard fan. He could tell you anything about the Blackhawks, and he even experienced one of the most famous moments in Chicago sports history: the Blackhawks winning the 2015 Stanley Cup.
To give some context, on Monday, June 15, 2015, the Blackhawks beat the Tampa Bay Lightning at the United Center to win their third championship in six seasons. The Blackhawks iced the game, scoring two goals in a short period in the last period of the game. All of Chicago was in hysterics because of how great of a moment this was, including Hayes, because he was able to see it happen with his own eyes.
“I was so happy that day that they won on home ice,” stated Hayes.
Enjoying sports with others is a form of bonding, especially for a father and son. Hayes attended that historic moment with his father who he mentioned a lot in his interview. Hayes and his father are both big Blackhawks fans, and going to these games is a form of bonding for these two.
“That was the first dad and son thing we have done together,” says Hayes.
That moment was the first of many times the two have shared a moment. On Sunday, April 6, 2025, not too long after Hayes won Star of the Year, Hayes and his father attended a home Blackhawks game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He then encountered one of his favorite players, recently retired Blackhawks Left Wing Patrick Maroon. The two conversed outside of their suite after the game and spotted a Blackhawks player. Hayes mentioned how he thought at first it was Blackhawks Center Connor Bedard, but he was still happy to meet him.
“Oh my god, It was one of the best days ever… He was a great guy. I asked for a picture and had a great time,” said Hayes.
Hayes received the opportunity to receive many things, such as free merchandise, meeting players and mascot Tommy Hawk, painting on the hockey rink, and getting free food and beverages. Still, Hayes expressed his gratitude to the ones who voted for him and helped him reach this award, expressing how it wouldn’t have been possible without the people he cares about and the ones who voted for him.
“I just want to thank Professor Kreten, Mr. Davis, Mrs. Grobmeier, and all of Saint Xavier,” Hayes mentioned.
This award meant a lot to Hayes, and it showed him a good time and experience that he will always remember. Hayes expressed how he will forever be loyal to the Blackhawks organization because of this experience and how he will continue to support the Blackhawks. Now, he looks forward to attending every single Blackhawks game and cheering his team onto the playoffs, and meeting his favorite Blackhawks player, Bedard, over the summer.