Vancouver Canucks’ New Captain Quinn Hughes Aims to Create Family Atmosphere on Team
Vancouver Canucks’ newly appointed captain, Quinn Hughes, has expressed his intention to foster a family atmosphere within the team, where everyone feels welcome and valued. Hughes, 23, is stepping into the role previously held by Bo Horvat, who was traded to the New York Islanders last season. With the Canucks’ training camp now complete and pre-season exhibition games underway, Hughes is focused on establishing a leadership style centered on collaboration and openness.
In an interview, Hughes emphasized that his captaincy would not resemble a dictatorship. Instead, he wants all players to have a voice and feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions. There’s going to be lots of guys speaking up or have different roles and feel comfortable doing that, and that’s how it should be, Hughes stated. The young defenseman recognizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment, particularly for younger players who may initially feel hesitant to speak up. Drawing from his own experiences, Hughes wants his teammates to feel comfortable being themselves and not be afraid to contribute to team discussions.
Hughes believes that the key to transforming the Canucks into a family unit is when even the youngest players feel empowered to share their thoughts. When I know that one of the younger guys says something in the room, that’s when I know we’ve kind of turned it into a family, he explained. By embracing a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, Hughes aims to establish a close-knit team that supports one another both on and off the ice.
As he steps into his role as captain, Hughes also acknowledges that this opportunity will be a personal learning experience. He anticipates further growth in his own game as he navigates the captaincy and continues to develop as a player. I’ll just keep learning, learning how to deal with the role, how to handle my teammates and enjoy it and have fun with it, he shared. Hughes’s commitment to continuous improvement underscores his dedication to both his own success and that of the team.
In addition to Hughes’s appointment as captain, the Canucks have made significant additions to their defensive lineup during the off-season. The acquisitions of defensemen Ian Cole, Matt Irwin, Carson Soucy, and Filip Hronek bring veteran presence and experience to the team’s blue line. Hughes acknowledges the value these players bring, particularly Cole and Soucy, who have playoff experience. With an enhanced roster and heightened excitement among the players, the Canucks are eager to bounce back from their sixth-place finish in the Pacific Division last season.
As the Vancouver Canucks prepare for the upcoming season, Quinn Hughes’s leadership and commitment to creating a family atmosphere within the team will be vital. By prioritizing collaboration, openness, and inclusivity, Hughes aims to build a strong and cohesive unit that thrives on the ice. With a renewed sense of competitiveness and a strong desire to win, the Canucks are poised for an exciting and promising season ahead.
