AARYAN Hayer, a dedicated 12-year-old athlete and student from North Delta, has been playing ice hockey since he was four and a half years old. He spent his early hockey years with North Delta Minor Hockey Association, progressing through the ranks to U12 Rep A1. During his final season with North Delta, he achieved an impressive 100-point season through a combination of goals and assists—an accomplishment that has rarely been seen at that level.
His success earned him a spot with the Vancouver Flyers of the High Performance League (HPL), where he played at the U13 level and is currently competing at U14.
While hockey is his primary passion, Aaryan has always embraced a multi-sport lifestyle. Last year, he helped the North Delta Rays capture a Provincial Championship in baseball, contributing as a pitcher while also playing first base and the field. He also played competitive soccer with North Delta FC’s program until age 11, when the demands of multiple competitive sports required him to choose a primary focus. In the spring, he continues to play ball hockey with the Delta Minor Ball Hockey Association.
Aaryan believes in giving back to the sports that have given him so much. This past year, he became a certified baseball umpire and hockey referee, helping younger athletes enjoy the games he loves while earning some money to offset the significant costs associated with elite-level hockey.
His commitment extends beyond athletics. At school, Aaryan consistently excels academically and was assessed as “Exceeding Expectations” across all subject areas last year. He approaches learning with the same dedication and work ethic that he brings to sports. As a Grade 7 student, he serves as a Big Buddy to younger students and has received his school’s Athletics, Grit, and Academics Award for 4 consecutive years.
“Perhaps what makes us most proud is the character Aaryan demonstrates every day. Many of the friendships he formed in kindergarten and during his early years in hockey, baseball, and soccer remain strong today. Even though he no longer plays all of his sports within Delta, those friendships have endured. His loyalty, kindness, and ability to maintain meaningful relationships speak volumes about who he is as a young person,” say his parents, Veena and Reggie Hayer.
Next year, Aaryan hopes to earn a spot at Delta Hockey Academy as he continues pursuing his athletic and academic goals.
Now, Aaryan is hoping to be Sports Illustrated Youth Athlete of the Year.
The Youth Athlete of the Year competition is a North American online competition that recognizes and celebrates young athletes from all sports and skill levels. Participants compete through first having their application chosen, and then it goes to public voting for the opportunity to be featured in a national 3BRAND advertising campaign appearing on CBS and in Sports Illustrated, receive a $25,000 prize, and participate in exclusive mentorship and promotional opportunities. The competition also raises awareness and funds for youth-focused charitable initiatives.
Voting is now ongoing for the Top 5 (September 10 to 17). It ends Thursday, September 17. The Group Finals begin September 17 and end September 24. Public voting will help reduce total competitors to one preliminary winner in each Group Finals group who will then advance to the quarterfinals.
If selected as the Sports Illustrated Youth Athlete of the Year, he plans to use the winning funds of 25K toward the academy tuition. He also hopes to donate a portion of the award to KidsSport Canada, because he believes every child should have the opportunity to participate in sports, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
“We respectfully ask our community to support Aaryan by voting for him each day–Voting is free. For those who wish, monetary donations which increase the number of votes cast, and partially go towards the “Why Not You Foundation”. This foundation supports children’s education, health, fighting poverty and youth empowerment equipping young people with leadership skills using “Why not you?” mindset. If he wins, he will also get a Magazine and Ad Feature: An appearance in a national 3BRAND advertisement spread inside Sports Illustrated,” say the Hayers.
Aaryan’s profile and voting link: https://athleteoftheyear.org/2026/aaryan-74e1
