Connor Hughes has joined some elite company after his most recent performance ranked him among the best of the best in junior 'B' hockey.
The Coquitlam forward tallied seven points in three games, including five goals, to earn one of the Pacific Junior Hockey League's (PJHL) player of the week honours.
The nod accounted for contests that ended the week of Jan. 15.
Despite his Port Moody Panthers posting a 1-2 record that week, Hughes lit the lamp at almost every opportunity he had.
On Sunday (Jan. 15), in particular, the 18-year-old scored four times at Port Moody Arena against Delta — once in the second period, then a third-period natural hat trick to keep the red, black and white alive.
The result of the high-scoring night was an 8-6 loss to the Ice Hawks, but it was Hughes' second straight multi-point game and the 10th of his PJHL career.
He added an assist in the setback for a five-point night.
Last Saturday (Jan. 14), Hughes notched a goal and an assist in aiding the Panthers to a 5-1 victory over Aldergrove on home ice.
He's currently on a three-game streak of multi-point performances, also recording four points Tuesday night (Jan. 17) in Port Moody's 5-2 road win over Delta, including two goals and two assists.
Hughes is the third Port Moody player to earn a PJHL player of the week honour for the 2022-23 season, joining now former teammates Daniel Dallapace (October) and Ryden Mathieson (December).
Hughes is also a strong physical presence for the Panthers as he leads the team with 94 penalty minutes, in addition to nine goals and 19 points on the scoresheet.
He's also second on the roster with three power-play goals.
While the Cats have won two of their last three games, they're officially out of playoff contention in sitting with a record of 13-26-1.
They have five home games left on the year, including hosting duties for the Sunshine Coast Showcase Series in Gibsons next Saturday (Jan. 28).
Port Moody will start its final stretch tonight (Jan. 21), 7:30 p.m. at home against Chilliwack.
The Panthers are set to close out the season with three straight games at Port Moody Arena between Feb. 4 and 12.
