The month of February had been a fairly quiet one for Cassius “Bear” Hughes. Well, at least to his standards. The Spokane Chiefs’ captain recorded goals on February 2nd and February 4th, but then went into, well, hibernation. Bear would awaken from his eight-game nap to record four goals in the final two games of the month.
His first goal since February 4th came in the third period against the Seattle Thunderbirds on Friday night. The tally gave the Chiefs the late lead and would be the eventual game-winner.
Bear Hughes taking matters into his own paws.@spokanechiefs | @Capitals pic.twitter.com/OTeUd7WAfh
— The WHL (@TheWHL) February 26, 2022
Hughes also added an empty net goal to seal the victory for the Chiefs. He was also named the first star of the game.
On Saturday Hughes picked up where he left off on Friday. His first goal came just 33 seconds into the middle frame against the Tri-City Americans.
🐻 rocking out with his claws out!
Cap makes it a 2-0 lead just 0:33 into the second period!#GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/rbAZf4NhjY
— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) February 27, 2022
Hughes was not done. His 4th goal (and 5th point) of the weekend came in the third period.
🧢 trick watch for Cap!
Bear’s 5th point of these last two games!#GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/ron52EdmX0
— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) February 27, 2022
For the season, Hughes has 18 goals and 26 assists in 46 games played (0.96 points per game). He’s shot the puck 115 times for a 15.6% shooting percentage.
Hughes, 20, is finishing up his third season in the WHL. He will then most likely make the jump to the AHL (Hershey) this fall. It’s also conceivable (if the Chiefs postseason ends quickly) he could report for a familiarity stint with the Bears this spring, although Hughes is still yet to be signed by the Capitals. I expect that will happen in April or May, if not sooner.
By Jon Sorensen
I guess if they sign Hughes someone else will not be re-upped amongst the past draftees. Naming the center prospects alone we have Hendrix, Connor, Protas, Bear Hughes — that’s about as many as we can have. Protas and McMichael likely to be full time Caps next year with Lapierre and possibly Rybinski knocking on the door.