“Pretty fortunate with all opportunities” – Cassius Hughes hopeful to make impression on Washington Capitals after great junior season
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Cassius Hughes
The Washington Capitals prospect Cassius Hughes aka “Bear” Hughes is coming off a great season with Spokane of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He is now looking to continue his development in his first year as a professional in the National Hockey League (NHL).
The Idaho native centre had team-highs in goals (24), assists (43) and points (67) in 64 games last season, including six points (three goals, three assists) in a 6-1 win against Tri-City on March 12. Hughes, 21, was also named captain of the side in January earlier this year and was selected to the WHL U.S. Division Second All-Star Team.
“I was pretty fortunate with all the opportunities I was given in Spokane,” Hughes said, as quoted by NHL.com. “I had some responsibility, but it was also an honour. I had some pretty good linemates and teammates that were both friends and good hockey players.”
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“Best thing for Hughes’ development is to play and get more experience”
Bear Hughes was picked by the Capitals in the fifth round (No. 148) in the 2020 NHL Draft. Later, the youngster signed a one-year contract with Hershey of the American Hockey League (AHL).
“Like a lot of players from his draft year, Bear has played fewer games than a typical prospect would have due to COVID-shortened seasons,” Chris Patrick, Capitals assistant general manager, player personnel said. “Given that, the best thing for his development is to play and get more experience now at the pro level. We will want to put him in situations where he can play decent minutes and continue to develop his game against pro players.”
“My dad’s very involved in youth hockey there. That’s how I kind of got into it,” said Hughes. “He kind of brought up the program and now there are a couple of different programs where I’m from.”
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Sachin Arora
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