Checking In with Quinn Hughes at the IIHF World Championship
5/11/2018 9:40:00 AM | Ice Hockey
COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- University of Michigan ice hockey player Quinn Hughes is participating in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship (May 4-20) in Copenhagen and Herning, Denmark. Hughes, who just finished his freshman season at U-M, is the lone collegian on the United States roster, which is primarily made up of professionals from the National Hockey League.
Team USA is 4-0 in the preliminary round of the tournament, which includes a 5-4 shootout win over rival Canada (May 4). The Stars and Stripes will compete in three more contests before the quarterfinal round begins on Thursday, May 17.
Hughes has appeared in all four contests for USA, recording two assists while averaging 9:46 minutes of ice time.
Q: What is it like representing your country in such an elite tournament?
A: Putting on the USA sweater is one of the greatest honors a player can have, especially at a tournament of this stature with so many good players. I am just going to try and take advantage of it every day and take it all in.
Q: You flew to Denmark from Detroit with former Wolverine and current Red Wing Dylan Larkin. Did he have any advice for you prior to the tournament?
A: I have known Larks for a while now, but he has been awesome to me. He is such a great guy and obviously a great hockey player. His advice to me was to enjoy it and to play my game.
Q: Being the youngest guy on the team and lone college player, how have the guys been and have any of them taken you under their wing?
A: The veterans don't have to be as nice as they have been. They have gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable, and I am very appreciative for that. It has been good for me to be around pros and see how they act and what they do. I have been picking up little things each day.
Q: What was it like going up against Connor McDavid, who is considered by some the best hockey player at the present time?
A: I have had the opportunity to skate with Connor before, but obviously he's a great player and it was really fun to have the opportunity to play against him.
Q: Have you been able to explore Denmark at all?
A: We have had a couple of off days and have had the chance to walk around the city. There is always music playing and a lot of nice restaurants with amazing food.
Q: How did your first year at Michigan and in college hockey prepare you to play on this stage?
A: College hockey prepared me for this tournament because all season I was playing against older competition so it was a good test for me. It taught me how to play more of a pro game than what I was used to. I felt very confident coming into the tournament and feel confident about my game right now.
Hughes, who is projected as a top pick in the 2018 NHL Draft (June 22), recorded 29 points (5G, 24A) in his rookie season for the Maize and Blue, ranking third among rookie defensemen in the NCAA and third among freshmen in the Big Ten. Hughes' 24 assists ranked fifth in the NCAA and first overall in the Big Ten among freshmen. Hughes' 24 assists are the most in program history by a freshman defenseman, while his 29 points rank third all-time.
