Practising against older players helped game, Hughes says
Hughes credits the Michigan program and practising against older players with getting a competitive leg up because his world-tourney transition was more of a step than a leap.
“It was almost easier playing with guys like that,” he recalled. “All I had to do was give them the puck and they would give it right back because they’re so skilled. It was great to see where my game is at because plays happen so fast. If you can’t think the game at that level, you can’t really play.”
That’s what separates Hughes from his peers.
He started skating at age two and was raised in a hard-working, sports-focused family. His father, Jim, was a defenceman and team captain at Providence College and then served as an assistant coach. He was also an assistant with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (ECAC), New Jersey (Roller Hockey), Orlando (IHL), Boston, (NHL), Toronto (AHL) and was head coach of Minsk (KHL). He was also director of player development for the Maple Leafs.
His mother, Ellen, was a three-sports star and University of New Hampshire Hall of Fame inductee and his younger brother, Jack, is projected as a top pick for the 2019 NHL draft in Vancouver. There’s also Luke, who played triple-A Bantam last season.
“The biggest thing my parents stress is hard work — that’s all they ask for,” added Hughes. “It really helped and propelled us to where we are now. They’re very supportive and know what they’re talking about. We have a power-skating coach in Toronto and I think I’m one of the best skaters in the draft, but there’s still room for improvement.
In two USHL seasons with the U.S. National Development Team, Hughes totalled 37 points (8-29) in 60 games and has also won World Under-18 gold in 2017 and 2018 bronze at the world junior and world championships. He has also won acclaim for his level of confidence and how he handled scouting combine interviews.
“Ask any kid and he’ll say: ‘I’m going to play in the NHL,’” added Hughes. “Every kid believes his dream and we always told our teachers we were going to play in the NHL.
“I got most of my skills from outdoor hockey. Me and my brother would be out there three or four times a week. We kind of grew our passion because there must be 1,000 rinks in Toronto and we’ve probably been to them all.”
In a whirlwind year it would be easy for Hughes to have an ego. But he has barely dripped his toes in the ultracompetitive arena pool and has yet to play an NHL game.
“I haven’t done much,” he said. “And that’s what my parents keep stressing. Nothing has happened yet, there’s a lot of work to be done. It’s who we are, how we work and how we keep our feet on the ground.”