Father’s hug, mother’s kiss, brother’s handshake, sister’s hug. The routine that awaits every player when they hear their name from an NHL team has been the same since the beginning of time. Except for Jack Hughes.
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The Northeastern University forward, who was ranked 51st overall by the Los Angeles Kings on Friday, had to wait until he was on the court to receive congratulations from his father.
Accompanied by Martin St-Louis, Papa Kent, the Canadiens’ general manager, waited for his son near the stairs leading to the team tables.
“He came to congratulate me. It was really cool,” said the young man who became the Kings’ first take at that auction.
Encouraging him, supporting him, congratulating him and celebrating is the most the Habs GM wanted to do for his son in these two days.
“Despite the temptation, he was clear with me. My father told me he would avoid recruiting me at all costs,” said the center player.
Avoid pressure
In doing so, Hughes wanted to spare his son additional pressure that wasn’t necessary in an already suffocating market.
“Personally, it wouldn’t have bothered me. It wouldn’t have changed anything for me, said the young man with all the frankness of his 18 years. All that matters to me is playing in the NHL. Whether in Montreal, Los Angeles or elsewhere. »
That didn’t stop members of the Canadians’ management from standing up to congratulate Kent Hughes as he heard the Kings announce their selection.
Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay
Various conversations
No, there’s nothing normal about being a CEO’s son. The conversations leading up to the auction differ in content from those that a father and son have at a table.
“Even if he wasn’t a general manager, it wouldn’t have been a normal conversation,” Jack said, recalling his father used to be a players’ agent. He prepared me for the draft by telling me not to expect to be drafted as high as my expectations. »
“He explained to me how it works and how crazy it can be at times. He also advised me to enjoy the moment, sit back and see what would happen. »
Another rather unusual moment is when an opposing team’s head coach shakes your hand in front of your own coach.
St-Louis, a second father
It is worth remembering that Jack Hughes and Ryan St-Louis, one of the CH driver’s sons, grew up together in the American development program. They are also teammates at the Northeastern Huskies in Boston.
“In the last two years, Martin has been like a second father for periods of time,” he explained.
“He didn’t get drafted and despite everything he became the player we know. I got good advice from him. Also, it’s easy to learn about hockey when you’re surrounded by my dad and Martin. »