Jack Hughes breaks NTDP points record, Cole Caufield breaks goals record


By
@MichaelCaples

PLYMOUTH – There have been an incredible amount of future NHL superstars that have come through USA Hockey’s National Team Developmemt Program in Metro Detroit.

The player who has the most points in program history, however, is a member of the current Team USA in Plymouth.

On Friday night, Jack Hughes recorded five points to surpass Clayton Keller as the NTDP’s all-time points leader with 190.

He broke the record in the midst of a 12-4 Team USA thrashing of the Green Bay Gamblers.

There’s more to the story than that, however. The goal scorer on the play, naturally, was Cole Caufield. It was his sixth of the night, and it broke the record for goals all-time at the NTDP, as well.

Yes, it was a double hat trick for Caufield, who passed Phil Kessel for the most goals in program history in the process.

Caufield scored four goals in the third period, while Hughes factored into three of them, including the final strike at the 16:54 mark that capped a 12-4 victory and a historic moment for two of the best players to ever suit up for the NTDP.

“Yeah I think it was really cool to get them on the same thing, it kind of just exemplifies two years here – me to Cole,” Hughes said after the game. “It’s really cool.

“We’re best buddies, we sit beside each other in the room, hang out a lot, really good buddy of mine. It’s really cool to do it with him.”

Caufield echoed similar sentiments.

“It was awesome. I think the bond we have, this whole two years, has been really fun and exciting, and I’m so happy for him. He deserves everything, I’m such a lucky guy to play with him.”

Comments from both:

 

The historic goal:

Stay tuned for more from a wild night in Plymouth…