The Vancouver Canucks have a new captain and, for the first time in over three decades, it’s a defenceman.
Quinn Hughes was officially announced as the 15th captain in franchise history this morning.
He takes over the role from Bo Horvat, who was traded to the New York Islanders in January.
INTRODUCING CAPTAIN QUINN!
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 11, 2023
Quinn Hughes has been named the 15th Captain in Canucks History!
FEATURE READ | https://t.co/5qTT7UWzZU pic.twitter.com/S9UoSxMe1K
The 23-year-old said it “means a great deal” to be named captain of the Canucks, a team that drafted him seventh overall in the 2018 draft.
“When I came here 5 years ago, I knew what I was walking into having grown up in Toronto; just a crazy hockey market and a passionate fan base,” Hughes said.
“It has been a pleasure and treat to play for this franchise and to be the captain is something that is incredibly special and something that I couldn’t ever imagine would happen.”
Hughes first wore a letter for Vancouver last season, being named one of the club’s alternate captains, and now becomes the first defenceman to wear the “C” since Doug Lidster in 1991.
Lidster was part of a three-player captain rotation that year and the last Canucks defenceman to wear the “C” full time was Kevin McCarthy from 1979-82.
It’s the type of role Hughes was born and bred for, as his parents are athletes with hockey backgrounds and his brothers are fellow NHL top-10 picks.
That’s just part of the reason the team’s management thought he was the perfect man for the job, something the rest of the Canucks core leadership agreed with when they were informed of the decision.
“Not only was everybody enthusiastic and supportive of the decision, but they were also extremely happy for Quinn,” explained GM Patrik Allvin.
“He is very well liked and respected inside our dressing room, and we know he will continue to grow and develop his leadership skills in the years to come.”
Head coach Rick Tocchet called Hughes a competitor, workhorse and off-season rink rat who leads by example and with respect.
“When he does address the locker room it is very powerful and his growth and maturation in just the short time I have been here is very impressive,” Tocchet noted.
“Quinn isn’t afraid to get uncomfortable and voice his thoughts during both good and bad times which says a lot about his character and desire to win.”
Captain Hughes and the rest of the Canucks will kick off training camp in Victoria on Thursday, Sept. 21, with the first preseason game against the Calgary Flames three days later.
Vancouver opens the regular season on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at home against the Edmonton Oilers.
