Posted: May 08, 2020

Hughes commits to Salve Regina

Duncan Hughes has committed to play at Salve Regina after three seasons in the AJHL.

NEWPORT, R.I. - Salve Regina University men's ice hockey head coach Zech Klann announces the commitment of Duncan Hughes (Rocky Mountain House, Alberta) for the 2020-21 season.

"Duncan is an extremely athletic goaltender with a strong competitive nature," said Klann. "As a student athlete he was also admitted into the prestigious Salve Regina Nursing Program. We are very happy to have Duncan joining our hockey program."

Hughes played the last three seasons for the Olds Grizzlys in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL).

Hughes has dreamt of playing college hockey, and playing professional someday, but it was the education he could get that was the deciding factor in choosing Salve Regina.

"The big thing for me was the education they could offer," said Hughes. "I want to go into the medical field and Salve has a state-of-the-art nursing program. That on top of being an extremely competitive hockey program that has a chance to bring home a national championship made it an easy choice."

Hughes describes himself as an extremely competitive person who hates to lose.

"People that know me see that in practice," said Hughes. "Goalies usually are in the back of skating drills, but I love to be competitive and push to try and see if I can catch any of the other guys. It's doing the little things, doing extra. Coach says do five reps, I'll do six. That way I'm giving myself the best edge, and giving my team the best opportunity, especially as the goaltender you make such a difference, in a game or season, if I'm preparing myself properly, I'm giving us the best chance to win."

"Duncan is one of the most motivated student athletes that we had the pleasure to recruit," said assistant coach Chris Davis. "He comes from a family of educators and he has consistently dedicated his time away from hockey helping with schools and youth programs. Duncan proves he can persevere and overcome tough situations on and off the ice. His never quit attitude and mental toughness will be a positive addition to our family here at Salve Regina. We are excited we have our first hockey recruit admitted to the nursing program. He will do positive things here in Newport over the next four years."

"It's a dream come true," said Hughes. "I loved juniors, but it was a grind, so getting that phone call, it was emotional. I can't wait to get to the facilities, meet my coaches and teammates in person, and get things started."