With the 2025/26 season at an end, we say thank you and farewell to Canadian goalie, Hayden Lavigne, who has announced his retirement from the sport.
The 30-year-old began his career in Canada and iced for various teams in North America during the early days of his career. He initially moved from the East Coast Hockey League to England in 2022 when he signed with the Manchester Storm and also iced for the Sheffield Steelers.
After a season back in the States with the Evansville Thunderbolts, Hayden signed with the Wendy’s Peterborough Phantoms ahead of the 2024/25 season.
He’s gone on to make over 100 appearances in all competitions, featuring in the vast majority of games the club has had since he joined. He’s posted a save percentage of comfortably over 90% in those games, cementing himself as one of the best goalies in the NIHL National.
But all good things must come to an end, and now is the time Hayden has chosen to call it a day in Ice Hockey.
“Deciding to retire is never easy, and I don’t know if there is ever a perfect time. Given some family shift and career changes it seemed like the right time to transition away from the sport.” Hayden said.
“Playing in Peterborough has truly been the best two years of my Pro career. And there are so many people that made these last two years special. I am incredibly thankful to have such a wonderful staff of directors who truly care about the players on their team and make it easy to come and work hard for them. My teammates have become life long friends and made coming to the rink each time these last years the highlight of my weeks. And our fans are the best in the business. The support, the noise and the energy they bring to every home game makes playing for Peterborough that much more enjoyable.”
“Playing so many games over the last 2 season was a nice change! The adjustment really came in how I had to mentally prepare. On an off night I had to quickly learn and move on because the next night was going to be a new challenge and another important game. Because of the number of games there was very little time to dwell on poor performances which has helped me become more resilient. Physically playing this many games meant listening to my body more. In the past I was always working as hard as possible all the time. Now I had to think logically on how I was going to get the most out of my week of training in order to be well rested and ready for two games on the weekend.”
“I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved with the Phantoms! There are so many amazing people that keep this organization running. From our Loud and Proud fans, we hear you every game and you are a huge part of why guys give everything each season. Our directors, event staff and game night staff, thank you for putting on an excellent environment each and everyday. Our supporters club, you have such a huge impact on fan and team engagement which just adds to the culture that Peterborough is about and you are truly amazing. My teammates and coaching staff, I love you all and thank you for an unforgettable two years. And to my family, thank you for putting up with the late nights, weekend road trips and all the hockey conversations. None of this would have been possible with you.
From the bottom of my Heart thank you everyone for these final seasons with the Phantoms!” Hayden concluded.
Everyone at the Wendy’s Peterborough Phantoms would like to congratulate Hayden on a great career and two brilliant seasons with us. Enjoy the break, Hayden, and good luck for what comes next. Don’t be a stranger, you’ll always be welcomed back with open arms if you choose to come and take in a game as a fan in the future.