Coquitlam native becomes Port Moody Panthers all-time leader in points
Connor Hughes notches 50th goal and 115th point as a Panther
The Port Moody Panthers have a new all-time leader in two major offensive categories.
During a recent loss to the North Vancouver Wolf Pack, Connor Hughes became the franchise’s career leader in goals and points.
The Coquitlam native has now scored 50 goals and racked up 115 points through 108 games with the Panthers.
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“When I got that last goal it put a smile on my face,” Hughes said. “I kinda kept it on the low because I value the team, the team is more important than anything, but when I got home my parents had a little celebration.”
Hughes began his career with the Panthers in 2021, registering 15 goals and 28 points in 37 regular season games in his debut campaign. The following season, he notched 29 points in 33 contests.
His scoring prowess took off in his third season with Port Moody.
Through 38 games in the 2023-24 regular season, Hughes has racked up 58 points — the seventh most in the Pacific Junior Hockey League.
“We were really excited for him to be able to take his place among the great players that have played for our franchise,” said Brian Wiebe, general manager of the Panthers.
Both of the franchise milestones lasted for well over a decade.
Declan Lau, who played for the Panthers from 2005 to 2009, previously held the franchise record for most points, while Chris Boechler’s 49 goals from 2004 to 20007 was the team’s other offensive high-water mark.
Hughes’ scoring efficiency became evident towards the end of last season, Wiebe said, as he scored more points in four fewer games.
“He was almost a point per game player last season, and then this year with the captaincy, we’ve seen him take this jump as a leader on our team,” he said.
Hughes may also add to his career marks, as he is expecting to come back for his final season of eligibility for the Panthers in the fall.
“As the captain of the team, I’m going to push myself to keep on getting better, come back next season and hopefully lead the team to a playoff push,” Hughes said.
The Panthers, who have six games remaining on their regular season schedule, currently sit sixth in the Tom Shaw Conference.
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