Cassius “Bear” Hughes is coming off a strong season with Spokane of the Western Hockey League, and the Washington Capitals prospect is looking to continue his development in his first year as a professional.
The 21-year-old center had team-highs in goals (24), assists (43) and points (67) in 64 games last season, including six points (three goals, three assists) in a 6-1 win against Tri – City on March 12.
He was named captain in January and was selected to the WHL US Division Second All-Star Team.
“I was pretty fortunate with all the opportunities I was given in Spokane,” Hughes said. “I had some responsibility, but it was also an honor. I had some pretty good linemates and teammates who were both friends and good hockey players.”
Hughes was selected by the Capitals in the fifth round (No. 148) in the 2020 NHL Draft. In May, he signed a one-year contract with Hershey of the American Hockey League.
“Like a lot of players from his draft year, Bear has played fewer games than a typical prospect would have due to COVID-shortened seasons,” said Chris Patrick, Capitals assistant general manager, player personnel. “Given that, the best thing for his development is to play and get more experience now at the pro level. We want to put him in situations where he can play decent minutes and continue to develop his game against pro players.”
A native of Post Falls, Idaho, Hughes was able to take advantage of a local youth hockey program with which he had a strong connection.
“My dad’s very involved in youth hockey there. That’s how I kind of got into it,” said Hughes, whose older brother had played. “Before that, there wasn’t much hockey at all in North Idaho. He kind of brought up the program and now there’s a couple different programs where I’m from.”
After scoring 47 points (16 goals, 31 assists) in 61 games for Spokane in 2019-20, Hughes scored 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) in 35 games for Fargo of the United States Hockey League in 2020-21.
In July, Hughes participated in Capitals development camp, which included a scrimmage at Capital One Arena. He returned to Post Falls and is looking to add some size to his 6-foot-2, 171-pound frame.
“I’ve got decent height, but I could use 10, 15 pounds of muscle,” Hughes said. “This summer, that’s been my main goal as far as off ice, just work out hard and eat as much as I can, try to put on a little weight.”
Hughes will return in the fall for Capitals training camp and is ready to earn a place on the Hershey roster.
“No one’s on that team for sure, you’ve got to make it,” he said. “Doesn’t matter if you signed a contract, you’ve still got to show up and prove you belong there.”
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