Tonight marks a special moment in the NHL season: the first 'Hughes Bowl' of the year.
Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes will face off against his two brothers, Jack and Luke, as they suit up for the New Jersey Devils. It's not just another game for Quinn; it's an emotional reunion under the bright lights of Rogers Arena with their parents watching from the stands. "It's rare to play against your brothers," Quinn reflected. "It's a very special night."
Quinn's journey to captaincy goes beyond his on-ice talents. In September 2023, shortly after being named captain, Quinn launched 'TEAM 43,' a ticket-donation initiative supporting first responders, particularly B.C. firefighters. This cause is deeply personal to him-his grandfather, Marty, was a New York City firefighter who attended over 70 funerals following the 9/11 attacks. Inspired by his family's legacy of service, Quinn created TEAM 43, bringing first responders to Canucks home games, with proceeds going directly to the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund.
While his community work sets an inspiring example, so does his influence on the ice and at home. As the eldest Hughes brother, Quinn has been an unwavering role model for Jack and Luke. Jack, known for his swagger and hard-nosed determination, admires his older brother's steady belief in him during challenging early NHL days. 'Quinn always thought I would be special,' Jack shared. Luke echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Quinn's "deceptive" style and relentless dedication to honing his skills, especially his shot, which he's transformed into one of the league's most dangerous.
Quinn's leadership extends to his teammates as well. Despite the challenges of playoff hockey, he plays through pain, exemplifying resilience and determination. 'In a series, you can get really high or low,' Quinn noted, 'and it's having the maturity to fight through.'
Whether it's focusing on training, making sacrifices in diet, or finding peace in reading and cinema, Quinn Hughes embodies the qualities of a true leader-on and off the ice. As Rick Tocchet, Canucks head coach, put it, "What I respect is they're always pushing the envelope." And tonight, we'll see that drive firsthand in a sibling showdown fans won't soon forget.
