The Port Moody Panthers announced today that Development Coach Connor Hughes has accepted a full-time assistant coach role with RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League. The 22-year-old joins the bench staff of RINK’s U17 team.
Hughes moves on to the CSSHL following a dedicated multi-year tenure with the Panthers organization. Before joining the bench staff prior to the 2025-26 season, Hughes was a staple forward for Port Moody for four seasons. He served as team captain from 2023 to 2025 and earned PJHL All-Star honours in 2024-25.
The Coquitlam, BC product is the Panthers’ all-time leader in goals (72), assists (106), and points (178). Additionally, he is seventh all-time in games played (142), third in points in a season (73), fourth in goals in a season (30), and second in assists in a season (43). After finishing his junior playing career with the White Rock Whalers, he returned to Port Moody to transition into coaching as the Panthers’ Development Coach.
“I am grateful to the Panthers for everything they’ve done for me over the years,” said Hughes. “From my time playing to stepping behind the bench, the staff and players made Port Moody feel like home. I want to thank the ownership and coaches for allowing me to begin my coaching journey, and I’m looking forward to this new chapter with RINK Hockey Academy in Kelowna.”
Hughes’ mark on the Panthers organization is indelible, and the entire organization wishes him all the best in his first career full-time coaching role.
