Jack Hughes, the rising star of the NHL, has captured the hockey world’s attention with his exceptional skill and playmaking ability. However, it’s not just his on-ice prowess that intrigues fans and analysts it’s the enigma behind his choice of jersey number: 86.
In a sport steeped in tradition, where numbers often carry storied legacies, Hughes’ selection of 86 stands out as an unconventional choice.
This number, seemingly devoid of historical significance in hockey lore, conceals a deeper meaning known only to Hughes and those closest to him.
In this exploration, we delve into the possible reasons and significance behind Jack Hughes’ attachment to the number 86.
Why Does Jack Hughes Wear 86?
Jack Hughes, the talented young center for the New Jersey Devils in the National Hockey League (NHL), wears the number 86 on his jersey for several meaningful reasons.
While he hasn’t explicitly stated the exact motivations behind his choice, there are a few plausible explanations that fans and analysts have speculated about.
Birth Year Significance
One of the most common reasons athletes choose their jersey numbers is to commemorate a significant event or year in their life.
In Jack Hughes’ case, it’s possible that 1986 holds special meaning for him or his family. It could be his birth year, a milestone year for a family member, or another important event.
Family Connection
The number 86 could be a nod to a family member or someone close to him who had a connection to that number. It might be a way to honor or remember someone who influenced his hockey career.
Uniqueness
Traditional hockey numbers like 9, 19, and 87 (worn by Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby) are often sought after and sometimes unavailable due to other players already wearing them.
Choosing a less commonly used number like 86 might be a way for Hughes to stand out and create his own identity on the ice.
Superstition or Personal Beliefs
Athletes can be very superstitious, and sometimes they choose their numbers based on what they believe will bring them luck or positive energy.
It’s possible that Hughes associates the number 86 with something personally meaningful or lucky.
Availability
When players enter the league, they may not always have the option to choose their preferred number. Sometimes, numbers are already taken by more senior players.
In such cases, players have to select from the available options, and 86 could have been the best choice for Hughes at the time.
Marketing and Branding
Athletes often consider the marketability of their jersey number.
It’s possible that Hughes or his representatives saw potential in the number 86 for branding purposes, whether in merchandise sales or for building his personal brand.
Style and Aesthetic Appeal
Some players simply choose numbers because they like the way they look on the jersey. It’s possible that Hughes found the combination of the digits 8 and 6 visually appealing.
Role Model or Hockey Idol
It’s possible that Jack Hughes admired or looked up to a player who wore the number 86 in the past.
This could be a player from any level of hockey, including juniors, international competitions, or even a lesser-known professional player. By wearing the same number, Hughes could be paying tribute to a player who inspired him.
Numerical Preference
Some players simply have a personal affinity for certain numbers, even if they don’t have a specific significance or meaning attached to them.
It’s possible that Hughes just likes the number 86 for its numerical appeal, without any specific backstory or connection.
Chosen for Its Uncommonness
In a league where numbers like 8, 19, and 87 are more commonly chosen due to their association with legendary players, opting for the number 86 may be a deliberate choice to set himself apart.
It can be a way of signaling that he’s his own player with his own style and approach to the game.
How the Number 86 Reflect Jack Hughes’ Playing Style?
While there’s no official statement from Jack Hughes about why he wears the number 86, we can still speculate on how this number might reflect his playing style based on his on-ice performance and attributes:
Versatility and Adaptability
Just as the number 86 is a unique combination of digits, Jack Hughes showcases a versatile playing style. He’s known for his adaptability on the ice, able to seamlessly transition between offensive and defensive roles.
Like the number 86, which is distinctive in its own right, Hughes stands out for his ability to excel in various aspects of the game.
Creativity and Unpredictability
Hughes is known for his exceptional creativity with the puck. He has a knack for making imaginative plays, often catching opponents off guard with his unpredictable moves.
The number 86, being less conventional, might symbolize Hughes’ tendency to approach the game with a fresh and innovative perspective.
Speed and Agility
The number 86 can be seen as dynamic, with the digits appearing to flow smoothly into one another. Similarly, Hughes is known for his exceptional speed and agility on the ice.
He possesses the ability to swiftly change direction and accelerate, making him a formidable force in fast-paced play.
Precision and Attention to Detail
The number 86 requires attention to detail and precision in its formation. In a similar vein, Hughes displays a high level of precision in his plays.
His passes are often on target, and he has a keen sense of spatial awareness, allowing him to make plays with finesse.
Unconventional Approach
Choosing the number 86 is somewhat unconventional in the world of hockey, just as Hughes’ playing style can sometimes be unorthodox. He’s not afraid to take risks and attempt moves that other players might shy away from.
This boldness and willingness to try new things can be seen as reflective of both the number and Hughes’ approach to the game.
Achievements Associated With the Number 86 for Jack Hughes
Jack Hughes, as a highly talented young player, has certainly made significant contributions to the New Jersey Devils and has demonstrated great potential for future success. Some of his notable achievements include:
First Overall Draft Pick (2019)
Jack Hughes was selected as the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils.
This is a significant accomplishment in itself and reflects the high regard in which he was held by scouts and team management.
NHL Debut and Rookie Season
Hughes made his NHL debut in the 2019-2020 season. As a rookie, he gained valuable experience and showcased his skills, contributing to the Devils’ lineup and earning recognition as one of the promising young talents in the league.
International Success
Prior to entering the NHL, Hughes represented the United States in various international competitions.
He played a key role in helping Team USA win gold at the 2017 IIHF World U18 Championship and silver at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Scoring and Playmaking Abilities
Hughes is known for his exceptional playmaking skills and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
While specific statistics may vary from season to season, his contributions to the Devils’ offensive efforts have been noteworthy.
Did Any Family Members Have a Connection to the Number 86?
The connection between Jack Hughes and the number 86 indeed has a special significance, rooted in his family and the legacy of hockey that runs through their veins.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the number 86 became meaningful to the Hughes family:
Hockey Family Heritage
The Hughes family boasts a deep hockey legacy. Jack’s father, Jim Hughes, coached in the NHL and AHL, while his mother, Ellen, excelled as a college player and won silver at the 1992 Women’s World Championship.
This extensive hockey background naturally imbued numbers and traditions with special meaning for the Hughes family.
Quinn Hughes and the Introduction of 86
Quinn Hughes first embraced the number 86 during his time with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP).
He chose it for its proximity to his birth year, 1999, and its appealing visual aesthetics. The number allowed Quinn to make a distinctive mark, expressing his unique identity in the hockey realm.
Passing Down the Tradition
Jack Hughes followed suit when he joined the USNTDP, adopting the number 86. He, too, appreciated its distinctive quality and deemed it fitting for his own hockey persona.
This number adorned his jersey throughout his junior career and accompanied him in representing Team USA in various international tournaments.
Drafted into the NHL
Jack Hughes’ commitment to the number 86 persisted when he was chosen as the first overall pick by the New Jersey Devils in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
Beyond personal preference, it stood as a tribute to his brother Quinn and a nod to his family’s enduring impact on the sport.
Symbol of Legacy and Bond
The number 86 holds profound significance for the Hughes family. It transcends mere symbolism, representing their collective hockey heritage and the unbreakable bond they share as brothers.
It serves as a conduit for them to celebrate their mutual passion for the game, becoming an iconic emblem of Jack Hughes’ identity on the ice.
FAQs
Why does Jack Hughes wear the number 86?
The exact reason isn’t publicly known, but it’s believed to have a personal significance to him, possibly related to his birth year or family connections.
Is there any confirmed connection between 86 and Jack Hughes’ career?
No specific on-ice achievements or records are directly associated with the number 86 for Jack Hughes; the choice is likely more personal in nature.
Could the number 86 reflect his playing style?
While the number itself doesn’t dictate a playing style, it could be symbolic of Hughes’ versatility, creativity, or unique approach to the game.
Has Jack Hughes ever explained his choice of the number 86?
Jack Hughes had not publicly disclosed the specific reasons behind his selection of the number 86.
Is wearing 86 commons in the NHL?
No, wearing the number 86 is relatively uncommon in the NHL, making it a distinct choice for a player like Jack Hughes who wants to stand out with his jersey number.
To Recap
In wearing the number 86, Jack Hughes transforms a seemingly arbitrary combination of digits into a powerful symbol of family, legacy, and individuality.
Rooted in a deep hockey heritage, the significance of this number began with his brother Quinn and continued as a shared tradition.
It speaks to the uniqueness and distinction each Hughes brother seeks to bring to the sport. From the USNTDP to the NHL, the number 86 is a testament to Jack’s unwavering homage to his family’s influence on his career.
Beyond the ice, it stands as a beacon of their enduring bond, a visual reminder of their shared love for the game, and a representation of Hughes’ lasting impact on hockey.
James Felix