Wayne Gretzky CONGRATULATES Quinn Hughes for becoming 15th captain of Canucks on social media, NHL Twitter reacts
Fans and popular NHLers congratulate Quinn Hughes for becoming the 15th captain of the Canucks. Among well-known personalities, there was Wayne Gretzky, and former captain Bo Horvat who gave a shoutout to the 23-year-old captain.
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Quinn Hughes and Wayne Gretzky [Image Credit: Imago]
This is not the first time that ‘The Great One’ Wayne Gretzky has praised Quinn Hughes, but his congratulatory text on social media spread like wildfire. After all, it’s not always that one gains a shoutout from the legendary NHLer.
On Monday, Quinn Hughes was named as the 15th captain for the Vancouver Canucks. Congratulatory messages poured on social media as the fans celebrated the 23-year-old’s crowning. Gretzky joined in on the fun as he texted, “Congratulations, great honor to be a captain in the NHL.”
Back in 2020, Hughes earned high praise from Gretzky as the NHL legend was in denial to believe that Hughes was a defenceman, “Wow. That young lad’s a defenceman?! That’s better hands than I had!” Hughes’ playstyle, fearless to speak his mind, and charisma have won over many hearts in the NHL and his fanbase is sure to grow in the upcoming years.
Former captain Bo Horvat wished Quinn Hughes all the best for the upcoming days
![Bo Horvat and Quinn Hughes [Image Credit: Twitter/The Hockey Writers]](https://firstsportz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Untitled-design-11-6.png)
NY Islanders center and former Canucks captain Bo Horvat took to social media to congratulate Quinn Hughes for becoming the 3rd youngest captain in franchise history. He stated that the position of the captain was “Well deserved,” by Hughes and that it “Couldn’t have happened to a better person.”
Speaking of Horvat’s message, Hughes said that “It means a lot” to him as he’s “someone I enjoyed playing with.” While the internet is buzzing with his captaincy news, the crowned captain himself is keeping things low. It was reported that soon after the conference ended, he headed straight to the ice rink to prep for the upcoming season.
Hughes further noted that although being named the captain “means a great deal to me” and something “I never even dreamed of” he’s focused on becoming the kind of leader to lead by work ethics and to challenge himself and the team to become a better version of themselves.
As of now, the focus is on contending in the 2024 Stanley Cup, so preparations for the 2023-24 regular season are going in full throttle. Prior to taking on the ‘C’ jersey, he said he spoke with not only Horvat but also Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk and teammate Elias Petterson.
Canucks GM complimented the new captain saying that the decision not only came because of Hughes’ exceptional talent on ice but is “also a reflection on him off the ice and his leadership qualities.” Coach Rick Tocchet said that it was Hughes’ attitude of speaking his mind that became a major factor in the decision-making.
A captain should be fearless to speak to not only the management staff but also to the players in a motivational way. Hughes demonstrated those abilities which ultimately rewarded the Canucks phenom with the position he is owning right now.
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Kaushani Chatterjee
(2140 Articles Published)