EVERETT — At some point, Quinn Hughes may fancy Vancouver, British Columbia, as his home. But for the next couple weeks, it’s considered enemy territory.
Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks’ first-round pick (No. 7 overall) in the 2018 NHL draft, is one of five returnees from last year’s bronze medal-winning squad at the World Juniors in Buffalo. He will be a key component on Team USA’s World Juniors squad in 2019. The defenseman is an elite puck mover and a dynamic presence on the blue line and most likely will quarterback the American’s power-play unit for the 10-team tournament Dec. 26 -Jan. 5 in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia.
“I think that’s something he’s excited about,” Team USA head coach Mike Hastings said of Hughes’ power-play role. “He makes good decisions. He’s not a one-trick pony up there. He can shoot it, he can distribute it. There’s some deception to his game up there. Hopefully we can continue to build on that.”
Hughes downplayed the significance of playing in what possibly could be his future home.
“I’ve been asked that quite a bit, but to be honest, I haven’t really thought about it,” he said. “Obviously I’m excited the tournament is going to be in Vancouver and I’m excited to get back there and stuff like that. But right now, it’s not about Vancouver.”
Quinn is the older brother of Jack Hughes, who is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. Quinn Hughes is a sophomore at the University of Michigan, where he boasts 20 points (three goals, 17 assists ) in 20 games. Many expect him to sign and join the Canucks once his college season concludes.
Team USA takes in Tips game
A majority of Team USA’s roster for the World Juniors training camp soaked in the Everett Silvertips’ 6-1 Western Hockey League victory over Seattle on Saturday. Also in the crowd for Teddy Bear Toss Night was Hastings, who said he enjoyed his time at Angel of the Winds Arena.
“What an environment. … ,” he said. “I felt a little bad I didn’t bring a teddy bear, because that was quite the sight. … I thought Everett was good. I thought they came out and kept the foot on the gas.
“We were only able to stay for the first two periods but I don’t get an opportunity to see a lot of major junior games and it was good to see.”
Small but willing
On physical characteristics alone, Sean Dhooghe stands out on the ice: The sophomore at the University of Wisconsin is listed at 5-foot-3, 150 pounds.
But Dhooghe stands out to the Team USA coaching staff for other reasons.
“He’s willing, and it’s one thing to say, but another to back it up,” Hastings said. “He can play either wall. If you look at what he was doing at Wisconsin, he’s a power-play guy and a goal-line guy … and when we (gave him) a different role here, there’s not a look of, ‘Oh, I don’t think that will fit my wheelhouse.’ He’s a team guy, tireless worker, great outlook and a guy you want to be around. Those guys, you like having on your team. His opportunity is there and he knows that.”
Dhooghe has nine goals and five assists for the Badgers this season. Passed over in last year’s NHL draft, the 19-year-old is eligible again this season.
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