Canucks Q&A: Quinn Hughes delivers on community, competing ...
'It means a lot. I can give back and it’s heartfelt with my grandfather being a firefighter. I was all on board.' — Quinn Hughes on Team 43 ticket-donation program for first responders
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Published Dec 05, 2023 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 4 minute read
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Quinn Hughes is the consummate captain — a fleet-footed, point-producing wizard, and a growing voice of reason in the locker-room.
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And here’s what we’re learning:
His presence in the charitable community to carry on the Vancouver Canucks’ long-standing tradition of support is why the person is just as great as the player. And that shouldn’t be surprising. He was raised to be respectful and aware of the bigger world outside the hockey arena.
As Hughes prepared to face his brothers, Jack and Luke of the New Jersey Devils, on Tuesday — marking just the ninth time three or more siblings faced each other in an NHL game — the moment was not lost on the Canucks’ blueliner. But he kept it in perspective.
“It’s big for the family, but we haven’t really dressed it up. We’re trying to treat it like another game, and I know those guys (brothers) are, too,” said Hughes. “They’re not trying to whoop it up, and it’s the same thing for me. We need the points.
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“Maybe it will sink in once I’m on the ice and it will be really cool, but I’ll just have to temper my emotions.”
It’s never been about “me” for Hughes. It’s always been about “we” and “them”.
It transcends to his awareness of the broader picture. His “TEAM 43” ticket-donation program will bring first responders to each home game, with all proceeds going directly to the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
The initiative hits home for Hughes. His grandfather, Marty, has a 31-year career as the New York City firefighter and battalion chief.
“It means a lot to me,” he said. “I can give back and it’s heartfelt with my family members and my grandfather being a firefighter. It was a great idea that the team presented to me and I was all on board.”
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It means as much to Hughes as his 34 points heading into Tuesday’s clash — even though there’s competition to out-point Luke, who had 30 points in his first 17 games. Luke led all rookie blueliners with 14 points.
Here’s our weekly Q&A with all three Hughes brothers:
Canucks captain Quinn Hughes paid a visit to West Kelowna firefighters on Sept. 15. Vancouver CanucksQ. Quinn, you’re not surprised Jack had 99 points last season. Why?
A. He’s always been the best growing up. One of the hardest, if not the hardest worker I’ve seen. He’s got a big personality and is a fun-loving guy. But when you see how seriously he takes the game, you’re going to see more stuff.
Q. Quinn, why did you tout Luke’s potential even as an NCCA rookie?
A. He’s very similar to me. He’s very fluid and has hockey sense and can skate. He’s going to have a lot of success with how he plays, and he has a better shot than me. He can get it off.
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Q. Quinn, was there no-brotherly fights directive from mom Tuesday?
A. I don’t think she needs to ask for a promise. We’re competitive everywhere. We’re just like regular guys and whatever it is we have fun with it. Luke is probably leading our NFL Fantasy Football, but Jack and I aren’t far behind.
Q. Jack, Quinn is there for you at every step. What does that mean?
A. He’s 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.
Q. Jack, what allowed Quinn to take his game to another level?
A. He was really disappointed how the team did last year. His drive is at an all-time high. It was all moving in the right direction for him with the captaincy and coaching change. The goal-scoring is what everybody sees, but he’s been the driving force for that team.
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Q. Jack, how do you defend elusive Quinn at the point?
A. You definitely have to slow-play it. Like all the good defencemen, you can’t rush out at him because he’ll just make you look silly. You have to try and limit his time and space, but that’s easier said than done. He’s going to get the puck.
Q. Luke, as a defenceman, what’s your take on Quinn?
A. He’s 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.
Q. Luke, can you replicate Quinn’s new juke move?
A. He did it over and over in the summer and just adding that little tool to his repertoire — what does he have, two goals with it? — and it’s a pretty good move. You’ve got to shut him down.
Q. Luke, Jack had no doubt you’d have a fast start. Surprised?
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A. I train with him and it’s the little tips and tricks he shows me. I have confidence in myself and watching how he has developed over the last couple of years, I try to model a little bit of my offensive game off him. Watch how he moves the puck and always makes the right play.
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