Barry Wright
The second overall goaltender selected in this year's Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection has signed a standard player contract and education package with the Sarnia Sting.
Aidan Hughes was taken in the second round, 34th overall in April.
“It's an honour, for sure,” said the 6'3”, 240-lb. puckstopper.
“It's the next step toward my goal” of playing in the National Hockey League, he added.
With the graduation of goaltender Taylor Dupuis from the Sting, Hughes knows there's an opportunity to make the grade this season as a 16-year-old, but he's not taking anything for granted.
He said he's working hard this summer on strength, conditioning and agility and will come to camp next month fully prepared.
“When the main camp comes we'll see what happens,” said Hughes.
In the meantime, the product of the London Jr. Knights Midget program is looking forward to taking part in the Hockey Canada National Teams' Summer Showcase in Calgary, July 30 to Aug. 3.
He is one of 12 goaltenders invited to the Under 17 camp in hopes of making one of three Canadian squads to play at the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge in B.C., beginning in late October.
Sting General Manager Nick Sinclair said he’s excited to have Hughes signed, noting he and the scouting staff think the goaltender has a very bright hockey future.