The Hughes Family: An American Sporting Dynasty
The Winter Olympics and the NHL are showcasing an extraordinary family story: the Hughes family. Brothers Jack and Quinn are proudly representing Team USA in men’s ice hockey, while their mother, Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, serves as a development coach for the Team USA women’s ice hockey team. Adding to the family’s athletic prowess, their youngest brother, Luke, is making waves in the NFL. But the Hughes’ story is more than just athletic achievement; it’s a testament to a family deeply rooted in sports and driven by a shared passion.
A Legacy of Athleticism
The Hughes family has already etched its name in the history books. They are the first American family to have three siblings selected in the first round of the NHL draft, and Jack holds the distinction of being the first Jewish player chosen as the No. 1 overall pick. Now, all eyes are on them as they compete in Milan, aiming for gold medals across multiple disciplines.
“I think all three of us have come to try to win the gold medal. That’s the most important thing: coming here and trying to do well,” Jack shared with Vogue. “Doing this with Quinn, though…it is super special, and it’s something that I’ve really been looking forward to.”
Meet the Family
Ellen Weinberg-Hughes: The Foundation of the Dynasty
Ellen’s own athletic journey is remarkable. A three-sport college athlete at the University of New Hampshire, she excelled in soccer, lacrosse, and hockey. She even represented Team USA at the IIHF World Women’s Hockey Championship in 1992, earning All-Star honors. After her playing career, she transitioned to sports journalism with ESPN and now works as a player development consultant for Team USA women’s hockey. Her influence is undeniable; she is credited with instilling a love for sports in all three of her sons.
“We didn’t know what sport it would be, but I guess we thought our kids would be in athletics, some sort of competitive sports,” Jim Hughes, their father, said in 2018. “And my wife got them involved in skating when they were very young. That’s what we did. We were a hockey family.”
Jim Hughes: A Coach and Mentor
Jim Hughes also boasts a strong hockey background, having played in college at Providence College and later coaching at various levels, including the minor leagues and as an assistant coach for the Boston Bruins. He previously served as the director of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs. His coaching insights were invaluable to his sons, even from a young age.
“The things he was telling 20-year-old prospects, he was telling to us when we were 12,” Jack recalls. “Whenever we got the chance to watch a game with my dad, it was like watching video with an NHL coach.” Jim is now the director of player development for CAA.
Jack Hughes: NHL Star
The eldest Hughes brother, 26, honed his skills at the University of Michigan before being drafted seventh overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2018. He has since been traded to the Minnesota Wild, continuing his impressive NHL career.
Quinn Hughes: A Rising Star
The middle Hughes brother, 24, was the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft and currently plays for the New Jersey Devils. He embodies the family’s athletic spirit.
“It’s in my blood to be an athlete, to be a hockey player,” Hughes told The Michael Kay Show. “My parents are having a ball with it.”
Luke Hughes: NFL Bound
The youngest Hughes brother, 22, is forging his own path in the NFL, having been a first-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft to the Devils, where he plays alongside his brother. He is currently recovering from a shoulder injury.
The Hughes family story is a captivating blend of talent, dedication, and familial support. As they continue to excel in their respective sports, they inspire fans and demonstrate the power of a family united by a love for competition.
Further Reading: NHL Official Website – Stay up-to-date with the latest NHL news and scores.
