Jack and Quinn Hughes, both professional hockey players, began a friendly reading competition during the hockey season that led Jack to read 50 books. This renewed his interest in reading, which he described as a way to relax away from the pressures of the game. “It’s an easy way to get away from the game,” Jack Hughes said. “I try to stay off my phone. So, I’m not on my phone and I’m not thinking about the game, I’m just being creative and reading. It’s a good way for me to get away and I really enjoy it.”
Building on this personal passion, Jack has partnered with his brother Luke Hughes to launch the Hughes Brothers’ Pucks & Pages initiative. The program is a multi-year effort developed in partnership with JAG Physical Therapy and Hockey in New Jersey. Its goal is to promote literacy among young people in New Jersey.
“I know this is a really cool thing that we’re creating and being a part of,” Jack said. “I have a good relationship with the Hockey in New Jersey people. I know a lot of those kids already from past years working with them. This is just a really good interactive way to group Hockey in New Jersey with my passion of reading and the New Jersey Devils and we’re lucky JAG partnered with us to help make this happen.”
Luke Hughes also emphasized their connection to Hockey in New Jersey: “We love (Hockey in New Jersey’s) program. It’s something that’s really close to our heart,” he said. “I think this gives kids an opportunity to learn, have some fun and maybe grow their passion for reading like Jack and I have.”
As part of Pucks & Pages, books chosen by Jack and Luke will be given out through Hockey in New Jersey’s scholastic program. When participants finish reading each book, they will receive certificates signed by both brothers recognizing their achievement.
Some children who take part will also be invited along with their families to attend a Devils home game as guests of Jack and Luke Hughes. Afterward, they will meet the brothers for discussions about the book they read as well as hockey.
“This will be really fun to meet these kids and their friends and family after the games,” Jack said. “You can bring people to the game and meet them after and share that experience. It’s a really cool thing that me and Luke can do this year and hopefully for a lot of years to come.”
Jack named Larry McMurtry and James Patterson among his favorite authors, hoping young readers will find similar enjoyment through participation: “For me, it’s a hobby that I’ve found to really enjoy,” he said. “It’s something that over the years I’ve learned to love. I read a lot of books.”
The first book selected for participants is Fast Pitch by Nic Stone—a story centered around sportsmanship, perseverance, and self-discovery.
“I have a passion for hockey and reading. These are two things I really enjoy doing that brings people together,” Jack added.“Luke and I are really excited to get this going.It’s awesomeandreallycool.”
