Luke Hughes, a young ice hockey player, comes from a family with a strong background in the sport. His parents, Jim Hughes and Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, are both accomplished athletes in their own right, with extensive experience in ice hockey and other sports.
Jim Hughes, Luke's father, is a former ice hockey player and team captain for Providence College. He also served as an assistant coach for the Boston Bruins and worked as the director of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jim's contribution to the sport of ice hockey is immense, and he has helped shape the careers of many young players over the years.
Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, Luke's mother, is also an accomplished athlete who played ice hockey, lacrosse, and soccer at the University of New Hampshire.
In 2012, she was inducted into the University of New Hampshire Athletics Hall of Fame for her outstanding contribution to the sport. Ellen also played for the United States women's national ice hockey team, where she won a silver medal at the 1992 World Championship.
Luke has two older brothers, Quinn and Jack, both of whom are also ice hockey players. Quinn was drafted seventh overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, while Jack was drafted first overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. With two older brothers who are already making waves in the NHL, it's no surprise that Luke is also an exceptional player.
Ellen is Jewish and Jim is Catholic, which speaks to the diversity of their backgrounds and experiences.
A look at Luke Hughes' NHL career
Luke Hughes has followed in the footsteps of his older brothers, Quinn and Jack, by being selected in the first round of the NHL draft. In fact, the Hughes family made history when the New Jersey Devils chose Luke with the No. 4 pick of the 2021 NHL Draft. It made them the first family from the United States to have three brothers selected in the first round of the NHL Draft.
Hughes is a talented defenseman who, like his brothers, starred with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program before being drafted. He scored an impressive 34 points (six goals, 28 assists) in 38 games with the U18 team in 2020-21, demonstrating his ability to contribute to both ends of the ice.
However, Hughes' season was cut short due to a lacerated tendon in his foot, which required surgery. Despite this setback, Luke's determination to get back on the ice was evident, as he was already back to skating by May.
Luke Hughes' skating ability, agility, and puck-moving skills make him a valuable asset on the ice. His ability to read the game and make smart decisions with the puck should serve him well as he progresses in his career.