Hughes practices for first time with Blazers, excited about team’s forward depth

Hughes says the trade, his second in the last nine months after being dealt by Portland to Saskatoon, has made for an emotional last day as he prepares for another change of scenery.

“It’s been a really shocking 24 hours and long,” he said. “I was up early this morning getting on the plane. But I’m excited to be in Kamloops now. I’ve met all the guys now.”

Helping ease the transition is the fact he knows some of the Blazers like Riley Appelt and Kobe Mohr. He also knows the team’s GM Matt Bardsley, the former Winterhawks assistant general manager who was involved in bringing him to Portland as an undrafted bantam player.

“Ryan brings good speed. A lot of experience in the league. He’s a skilled player. He can either distribute the puck. He has good finishing ability. He had 30 goals last year. I think 12 of them were on the power play. He can do a lot of things on the ice,” said Bardsley.

The relationship with Hughes sped up the deal with Saskatoon, happening in hours after the trade first came up on Wednesday morning.

“Certainly helps. Knowing the player, you know what you’re going to get on the ice,” said Bardsley. “I think how we want to play, he’s a player that really fits our type of game, being a puck-possession, speed game, skill. I think he’s a real good fit.”

Hughes will make his Blazers debut Friday night against Kelowna wearing No. 21. It’s not known who he’ll play with, but he could be seen skating with Logan Stankoven and Martin Lang during his first practice with the team on Thursday.

His addition gives the team a solid three lines the Blazers feel can match up against a lot of teams.

“I’ve heard a lot of teams and people are excited about what the Blazers can do this year,” said Hughes. “Their forward group is really deep and I’m excited to join it and see what I can bring to the team.”

by Chad Klassen

Hughes practices for first time with Blazers, excited about team’s forward depth

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