Darren Haydar
Milton’s Darren Haydar played minor hockey in his hometown and went on to star for the local Jr. A team, the Milton Merchants, in what’s now the OJHL. From 1995 to 1998 Haydar tore the league apart with 240 points, including his stellar 71-goal performance in only 51 games in 1997-1998. The right winger was the league’s player of the year and a first team all-star that season. With no Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team guaranteeing him a spot, he went to the University of New Hampshire. During his freshman year, the Wildcats went to the Frozen Four only to lose in double-overtime. Haydar ended up finishing his NCAA Career with 219 points for third all-time in Wildcats history. At 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, Haydar is one of the most prolific hockey players to ever suit up in the American Hockey League (AHL). He joined the Milwaukee Admirals in 2002-03, posting 75 points in 75 games and earning the Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL’s outstanding rookie. Inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame in 2019, he is the league’s all-time playoffs scoring leader in goals (63), assists (80) and points (143) and holds the records for longest consecutive point scoring streak with 39 games. During 2006-2007 with the Chicago Wolves he amassed 79 points during that streak. Haydar won Calder Cup Championships with the Milwaukee Admirals (2003-04) and the Wolves (2007-08). A ninth-round (248th-overall) pick of the Nashville Predators in 1999, Haydar played games in the NHL with Nashville, the Atlanta Thrashers and Colorado Avalanche. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012 while playing in the AHL, he has hosted a golf tournament and hockey games in support of MS awareness. Now 45, Haydar is a real estate agent and a mentor to minor hockey players through his 2020 Elite Hockey program. He was on the roster of the Sr. A Dundas Real McCoys from 2018-24, winning more hardware – back-to-back Allan Cups, emblematic of Canadian senior hockey supremacy. “I can’t believe it. I’m thankful to have been able to play a game for a living, and these accolades are icing on the cake.” said Haydar, who’s also a member of his hometown sports hall of fame, as well as the AHL and University of New Hampshire. “A huge thank-you to all my former teammates, coaches and all who have supported me.”