Photo: Larry Burnt/Coeurd’alene

It had been a relatively quiet month of March for Washington Capitals forward prospect Cassius “Bear” Hughes. After posting back-to-back two-goal games to close-out an otherwise quiet month of February, the Spokane Chiefs’ captain went goalless in the first five games of the month of March. As a result, Hughes was moved down from his traditional top-six center spot to center the third line.

Hughes was elevated back to center the second line on Saturday night against the Tri-City Americans (who are coincidentally partially owned by former Capitals goaltender Olaf Kolzig). The move paid immediate dividends for the Chiefs as Hughes recorded his first career WHL hat trick. He also had three assists in the game.

Hughes first goal of the game came less than one minute into the second period with the Chiefs leading the Americans, 1-0.

Make that 1⃣0⃣1⃣ WHL points for Bear Hughes!!!

Bear and Streeker swap roles, with 17 getting the apple this time. It’s 2-1 us!#GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/I8ryMungtA

— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) March 13, 2022

Hughes final two goals came in the third period against the Americans. His first goal of the period and second goal of the game came with 12:31 remaining in the period.

🚨 CHEVY FEEDS THE BEAR 🚨#GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/7jUtZiQzWe

— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) March 13, 2022

Hughes would complete his first career WHL hat trick with 9:42 remaining in regulation. The 6’-2” centerman would cleanup the loose change in front of the goal to stretch the Chiefs lead to 6-1.

IT’S A HAT TRICK FOR CAP!!! 6-1!!!#GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/j1hicIbhGl

— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) March 13, 2022

Hughes also had three assists in the game for his first career six-point game.

For the season, Hughes, 20, has 21 goals and 34 assists in 54 games played for a 1.06 points per game average. He’s shot the puck 141 times for a 14.9% shooting percentage. Hughes will begin his transition to the AHL following the conclusion of his WHL season.

Hughes was interviewed after the game.

For more in Hughes or any of the other Capitals prospects check out our “Prospects” page in the top menu.

By Jon Sorensen