If you are a fan of the New Jersey Devils, you might have noticed that they have two players with the same last name: Hughes. Is Luke Hughes related to Jack Hughes? The answer is yes, they are brothers. In fact, they are part of a hockey family that also includes their oldest brother, Quinn Hughes, who plays for the Vancouver Canucks. Here is the story of how the Hughes brothers became NHL stars.
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From Orlando to Michigan: The Early Years
The Hughes brothers were born in Orlando, Florida, where their father, Jim Hughes, was working as an assistant coach for the Orlando Solar Bears of the International Hockey League. Jim Hughes was a former college hockey player and coach who also worked for the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He instilled a love of hockey in his sons from an early age, taking them to the rink and teaching them the basics.
The family moved to Michigan when Jim Hughes became the director of player development for the Maple Leafs in 2006. There, the Hughes brothers played for various youth hockey teams, such as the Mississauga Rebels and the Toronto Marlboros. They also attended the prestigious Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Minnesota, where they honed their skills and competed against other elite players.
The U.S. National Team Development Program: A Launching Pad
All three Hughes brothers joined the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP), a program that trains and develops some of the best American hockey prospects. They played for both the U17 and U18 teams, competing in international tournaments and against college and junior teams.
Jack Hughes was the first to join the USNTDP in 2017. He quickly established himself as a dominant offensive force, breaking records for points and assists in a single season. He also led Team USA to gold medals at the 2017 World U17 Hockey Challenge and the 2018 IIHF World U18 Championship. He was widely regarded as the top prospect for the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
Luke Hughes followed his brother to the USNTDP in 2019. He also showed his offensive flair as a defenseman, scoring 34 points in 38 games in his first season. He also helped Team USA win a bronze medal at the 2020 IIHF World U18 Championship. He was projected to be a top-10 pick for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Quinn Hughes was the last to join the USNTDP in 2020. He had previously played two seasons at the University of Michigan, where he was a standout defenseman and a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as the best player in college hockey. He also represented Team USA at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2019 IIHF World Championship, where he impressed with his skating and puck-moving abilities. He was drafted seventh overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2018.
The NHL: A Family Affair
The Hughes brothers made history when they all became first-round picks in consecutive NHL drafts. Jack Hughes was selected first overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2019, becoming the eighth American player to be drafted first overall. Luke Hughes was picked fourth overall by the same team in 2021, joining his brother in New Jersey. Quinn Hughes was already playing for the Vancouver Canucks, having made his NHL debut in 2019.
The brothers have all made an impact in their respective teams, showing their talent and potential as elite players. Jack Hughes had a breakout season in 2021-22, scoring 56 points in 49 games and earning his first NHL All-Star selection. Luke Hughes signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Devils in April 2022 and scored his first NHL goal in overtime against the Washington Capitals. Quinn Hughes has been one of the best defensemen in the league, recording 97 points in his first 129 games and finishing second in voting for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2020.
The brothers have also faced each other on several occasions, creating memorable moments for themselves and their fans. They have expressed their support and admiration for each other, while also enjoying some friendly rivalry and trash talk. They have also inspired many young hockey players with their skill, passion and brotherhood.
Conclusion: Is Luke Hughes Related to Jack Hughes? Yes, And So Much More
Is Luke Hughes related to Jack Hughes? Yes, they are brothers who play for the same team, but they are also part of a bigger story that involves their oldest brother Quinn and their father Jim. They are part of a hockey family that has made history and continues to make headlines with their achievements and aspirations. They are not only related by blood, but also by love of hockey.
