Hughes, Caufield share big night to set USA Hockey NTDP records
American forwards Jack Hughes and Cole Caufield are projected to be first-round selections in the 2019 NHL Draft, and on Friday night, each set a record on the same goal when the USA Hockey National Team Development Program defeated Green Bay.
Hughes picked up his fifth assist of the night on Caufield's sixth goal of the game, placing him atop the program's points list, while Caufield moved into first place for goals.
Here's a look at the record-setting tally:
The record-breaking goal!
- USA Hockey NTDP (@USAHockeyNTDP) March 16, 2019
With this goal ... @colecaufield moves to the #1af spot with the most goals in #NTDP history.@jackhughes43 moves to the #1af spot with the most points in #NTDP history!
Congratulations boys! ^3 pic.twitter.com/hlKYGbv8PE
"I mean, we were so proud of each other and we just said, 'Congrats,' and it was just a really special moment," Caufield said, according to NHL.com's Mike Morreale. "We worked so hard for this; I can't say enough about my teammates."
The 17-year-old Hughes is a strong candidate to be selected with the first overall pick at the 2019 NHL Draft. His 190 points over two seasons with the program moves him past Arizona Coyotes forward Clayton Keller and into the top spot on the all-time list.
"With all the players who have come through the program and being able to pass some of those guys was really cool," Hughes said. "You look at the list with Keller, Auston Matthews, and Patrick Kane; it's just cool to be mentioned with them."
Caufield buried his 105th goal with the program, passing Pittsburgh Penguins forward Phil Kessel for the all-time lead. The 18-year-old's big night also moved him within four goals of the NTDP single-season goals record held by Matthews with 55.
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