Kevin Hayes Opens Up With Heartfelt Message on Teammate and Childhood Friend
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Kevin Hayes recently opened up in an interview about his childhood friend and teammate, Noel Acciari, raving about the player and person he is.
Forward Noel Acciari was recently named the team's honored recipient of the Unsung Hero Award, presented by PNC Private Bank.
The award honors a player who goes above and beyond, with contributions of immeasurable effort that may not always make the headlines.
Originally presented as a team award from 1969-99, the award acknowledges players who exhibit the spirit of commitment and persistence.
Acciari has been an iron man this season for the Penguins, one of just three players to appear in all games. His commitment on the ice is unquestionable, with team-high hits (168) and blocked shots (98).
The 33-year-old continued to demonstrate his defensive ability by tying a career high of five blocked shots in a game on three occasions this season.
Acciari is the primary penalty killer for the Penguins
Having spent 179 minutes killing penalties while his team was shorthanded, Acciari is Pittsburgh's primary penalty killer, playing a team-high 54.1% of their short-handed minutes.
His most exemplary game of the season was on Mar. 9 at Minnesota, playing seven minutes and three seconds of short-handed time, which tells you everything about what he has to offer.
Off the ice, teammate Kevin Hayes, also a childhood friend and very close to Acciari, has nothing but praise for his character and work ethic.
Hayes frequently calls Acciari not only an amazing player but an amazing human being who inspires everyone he is around.
"It's kind of funny, every time someone asks me about him, it's like, he hasn't changed at all. I think that's probably the thing I respect most of all, he's one of the most genuine, humble people. Honestly, one of the best guys."
- Kevin hayes
- Kevin hayes
This camaraderie and admiration from others are indicative of Acciari's presence on and off the ice and make him an actual unsung hero.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 1 | 77 ANSWERS Kevin Hayes Opens Up With Heartfelt Message on Teammate and Childhood Friend Do you agree with Kevin Hayes' comments about Noel Acciari? | ||
| Yes | 61 | 79.2 % |
| No | 16 | 20.8 % |
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