Odessa, TX – The Odessa Jackalopes, a proud member of the North American Hockey League, would like to congratulate Justin Hughes on his commitment to play ACHA Division I hockey for the University of Arizona. Hughes is now the seventh Jackalopes player to commit from the 2022-23 season.
Hughes, 20, just completed his second and final season in the NAHL. The Montvale, NJ native played his rookie season with the Jacks in 2021-22 and totaled 23 points (9G, 14A) in 58 games. He finished second on the team in power-play goals with four. This past season the 6’4”/170lb. right-handed forward registered 14 points (5G, 9A) in 40 games. Prior to reaching the NAHL, Hughes spent four years playing for St. Joseph High (USHS-NJ) for a total of 70 games and tallied 81 points (32G, 49A).
The University of Arizona is located in Tucson, AZ. The Wildcats play in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. They went 16-9-2-2 last season and are led by Head Coach Chad Berman.
Hughes stated this regarding his commitment, “Playing hockey in Odessa was awesome and there is no place I would have rather spent my time in junior hockey. I made a ton of lifelong friends and have made strides in maturing as a person. I am super excited to continue my hockey career at the University of Arizona, where I will have the ability to enjoy almost the same weather as Odessa.”
Head Coach Scott Deur stated this regarding Hughes’ commitment, “Hughes is a very strong forward that has given a lot to Odessa over the last two years. We look forward to seeing him continue his hockey career at UofA.”
Photo credit: Danne Braden
