Canucks: How Quinn Hughes learned to pay it forward, set example ...

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The Province

'It's an emotional day because there are a lot of thoughts about different things. It's rare to play against your brothers. It's a very special night.' — Canucks captain Quinn Hughes

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Published Oct 30, 2024 • 4 minute read

Canucks captain Quinn Hughes visited West Kelowna firefighters on Sept. 15, 2023. He launched his 'TEAM 43' to recognize first responders with game tickets. Vancouver Canucks

Quinn Hughes has always maintained the admirable attributes of being respectful and resourceful.

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When the diligent and driven Vancouver Canucks defenceman was named captain to commence the 2023-24 NHL season, the honour and significance of the Sept. 11 announcement resonated with his strong family lineage.

His first response that day was to speak of first responders.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks of the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in 2001 remain a stark reminder of the broader and bigger life picture. Hughes plays a game he love while others put their lives on the line.

His grandfather, Marty, has a 32-year career as the New York City firefighter and battalion chief. He knew many who perished while trying to save those trapped in the Twin Towers inferno and collapse.

“He went to 73 or 74 funerals after that,” Hughes told Postmedia on Wednesday.

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It prompted Hughes to pursue a passion to pay it forward with his “TEAM 43” initiative. A ticket-donation program brings first responders to each Canucks home game — 124 were expected Wednesday — and all proceeds go directly to the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.

And with a Hughes family reunion at Rogers Arena — mom and dad in the stands and brothers Jack and Luke suiting up for the New Jersey Devils — the timing Wednesday was reflective of the player and person the captain has become.

Brothers Luke, Quinn and Jack Hughes pose before facing each other in a Dec. 5. 2023 meeting at Rogers Arena. Photo by Derek Cain /Getty Images

“It’s an emotional day because there are a lot of different thoughts about different things,” said Hughes. “It’s a rare and unique opportunity to play against your brothers and I’ll try to enjoy it. It’s a very special night.

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“The Canucks do a great job, not only with this night, but in the community, and that’s what makes it special to play for Vancouver.”

So is playing against your brothers. Jack was the first-overall draft pick in 2019 and Luke went fourth overall in 2021. Their ascensions have been astounding — Jack put up 43 goals and 99 points in 2022-23 and rookie Luke had 47 points (9-38) last season to place third in Calder Trophy voting.

“Jack is funny and has a little bit of a swagger about him,” said Quinn. “Just a happy guy who’s always fun to be around and takes hockey incredibly seriously. He’s really hard on himself and pushes to be great.”

Said Jack: “Quinn is basically not an older brother. He was the No. 1 guy when I was definitely struggling early (in the NHL) who believed in me. He always thought I would be special. I’m lucky. Always there for me.”

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Added Luke: “Quinn is just so deceptive off the blueline. He’s an unbelievable passer, and we’ve all seen this year how he can shoot it, too. He’s tough to defend.”

Luke suffered a shoulder injury in offseason training and Wednesday was just his fourth game of the season. Like Quinn, he’s a hockey nerd and a sponge. It was evident at the NHL Awards last June in Las Vegas.

“Luke is very even-keeled and intelligent,” said Quinn. “He’s a student of the game and wants to learn. At dinner with Tocc (Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet), he was just picking his brain for two hours.”

Canucks captain Quinn Hughes defends against brother, Jack, of the Devils during Dec. 5, 2023 meeting. Photo by Derek Cain /Getty Images

The Canucks captain has led by example because his leadership spans driving the offence and sucking it up while in obvious pain.

The 2023-24 Norris Trophy winner — who believes the postseason is the true measure of will and skill — was targeted by the Nashville Predators in the playoffs. He was hit hard, was doubled over at the bench, but played on.

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And when actions speak louder than words, that’s true leadership.

“It was more growth and learning for everyone in this room,” stressed Hughes of the playoff experience. “Hopefully, if we have the chance this year, we build and find a way to win. It’s temperament. In a series, you can get really high or low, and it’s having the maturity to fight through different things.”

It extends beyond the ice surface. Training and diet awareness have gone to another level for Hughes. Nothing like years ago and venturing to Breakfast Club with teammates for waffles and all the fixings.

A love of reading and cinema have also provided peace and perspective and shut out the noise.

“Whatever I want to eat I will, but I try to feel as good as I possibly can,” stressed Hughes. “I just wanted to feel better and not grind through games. The changes I made last year I’m still feeling now.

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“You can get two points and not play great, but six shots and creating and playing well defensively, that’s the process. Over the course of 80 games, things will even out.”

The devotion makes Tocchet admire a strong family lineage that has produced a trio of well-adjusted players.

“What I respect is they’re always pushing the envelope,” said Tocchet. “A couple of years ago, it was Quinn who didn’t have the shot and he worked endlessly on it. Now, it’s one of the best on our team and he can deliver from any angle.

“He became obsessed. That’s just hard work.

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