HUMBOLDT — Patience has been a virtue for Humboldt Broncos rookie defenceman Cody Hough.
Before last season there was interest within the British Columbia Hockey League for Hough to play as a 17-year-old. The now 18-year-old from Maple Ridge opted to return to the midget ranks and continued to hone his game.
“There was some interest for me to play as 17-year-old, but I was advised to go back for another season in the [B.C. Major Midget League],” Hough said. “I think it gave me an opportunity to grow and become a better leader.”
Hough’s patience has paid off as he is excelling in his first full Junior A season. As of Sunday, he was tied for second among Broncos defenceman with six points, including a goal, in 13 games.
“Cody has been a great player for us so far this season,” Humboldt head coach Scott Barney said. “The way he skates and sees the game, he escapes from the play in his defensive zone to the O-zone. He really adds a lot of offence for us from the backend.”
The Broncos bench boss praised Hough’s skating, offensive ability, willingness to jump into the rush, and ability to play a lot of minutes. Barney said that Hough is a perfect fit for the system the team wants to play and that he has been one of the Broncos’ top defencemen game in and game out.
“He seems to be getting better and better every game here at the junior level,” Barney said.
Although Hough has strong offensive abilities, he has always played defence since he was little.
“I liked it as it was an opportunity to play more,” he said.
Hough played six regular season games at the Junior A level over the last two seasons split between the Coquitlam Express and Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The Broncos recruited him to come east.
“I think what brought me to Humboldt was Scott Barney and what he said about how we’re a young team that has a lot of promise to do great things in this league,” Hough said. “Scott is also very good at promoting players to the next level.”
Although far from home, Hough is pleased to be playing on Humboldt for the Broncos.
“I think the No. 1 thing that stands out about playing for the Broncos is the community that is behind you and is supporting and cheering you on,” he said.
