Hughes, Dobson shine in defensive spotlight at World Junior Showcase
Quinn Hughes isn’t the only defenceman selected in the first round of June’s NHL Entry Draft drawing raves in these parts right now.
Hughes, the speedy blue-liner the Vancouver Canucks nabbed seventh overall, has sparkled for the Americans at the World Junior Showcase, held here at the Sandman Centre. The University of Michigan product had three assists, including a highlight-reel setup on the winner, in Thursday ’s 5-4 overtime win against Sweden.
Noah Dobson, a rearguard from the QMJHL’s Acadie-Bathurst Titan who was linked to the Canucks before the draft, has also been receiving attention for his play with Team Canada. He had two goals and was a force all over the ice in a 4-3 overtime triumph against Finland Thursday and was singled out after by coach Tim Hunter.
Dobson, a 6-3, 178-pound righthanded shot, was the 12th overall selection in June by the New York Islanders.
“I’m really impressed with the quality of player he is, as a 2000 (born player) in this environment,” Hunter said, pointing to the fact that Dobson is a year younger than most of the players skating with Team Canada. “I’m really thrilled by the way he’s playing.”
Hunter also cited Dobson’s leadership and character, explaining he’s “ahead of his time. He’s a real mature kid.”
Dobson credited his father Andrew for stressing those qualities to him growing up.
“It’s important to have guys know you have their back and they can look up to you,” said Dobson, 18, a Summerside, P.E.I., product who wore an alternate captain’s “A” this past season with Acadie-Bathurst, the squad that won the Memorial Cup in Regina last May.
“If you’re a young guy, you can still be a leader. You come to these events, they look for leaders on and off the ice. Your play is important, but the same thing goes for off the ice. I try to take everything from the guys that I’ve learned from and try to keep improving as a leader.”
The Islanders are in the midst of massive change. Star player John Tavares jumped to the Toronto Maple Leafs. General manager Lou Lamoriello moved over from the Maple Leafs and signed Barry Trotz as coach, fresh off his Stanley Cup win with the Washington Capitals.
Dobson was asked about his thoughts on sticking with the Islanders as an 18-year-old. It’s a long shot, but seven first-rounders from 2017 played at least six games with their NHL team last season.
“At the end of the day, it’s not going to be my decision,” said Dobson, who had 17 goals and 69 points in 67 regular-season games with Acadie-Bathurst last season, and then put up five goals and 20 points in 24 playoff and Memorial Cup games.
“It’s going to be whatever the Islanders think is best for my development. They have great guys in place to decide that with Barry Trotz and Lou Lamoriello.
“I’m going to go in there and try to make that team. I’m going to work hard and see what happens. Confidence is big thing, and especially when you’re going into a different environment. Having a little bit more confidence by performing well at the world junior camp might boost me a little bit. It’s a whole different game, though.”
The tournament runs through today. Team Canada and the Americans are scheduled to play today at 2 p.m.