Camp Confidential: Q&A with Hudson Darby
The 2024 Neely Cup Training Camp is officially underway from Sherwood, Ore. Throughout the week, we will feature various Q&As on Winterhawks.com. First up, reigning Winterhawks Rookie of the Year Hudson Darby.
How was your summer and what were some of the highlights?
Hudson Darby (HD): “I had a really good summer. It was short, but we did a lot of golfing and going to the lake and spending some time with the family. It was fun.”
How does it feel being back in Portland?
HD: “I’m super excited. I think it’s the time of the year that everybody gets excited. Even though it’s a short summer, when August comes around you get excited to see all the guys again.”
How does it feel to be at camp with your younger brother Griffin?
HD: “It’s pretty cool. It’s honestly something that I never really thought would happen (in our playing careers) to come together. I’m super pumped to play with him.”
Do you have a friendly rivalry with your brother?
HD: “Yeah, nothing bad. We always push each other to be the best, so it’ll be good to have each other here.”
(Hudson and Griffin are playing together this year on Team Bjorkstrand)
What are you looking forward to most this season?
HD: “Just battling with the guys every day. I think through the hard practices and the hard workouts, it’s what helps makes us stronger and we push each other and build some chemistry.”
How does it feel entering camp as a leader for some of the younger players?
HD: “I’ve kind of always been a guy who likes helping out everyone that I can. I’m ready to take that step, I think I’m more than ready. I’m super excited to have that role.”
What are you hoping to accomplish this season both as a team and individually?
HD: “Obviously, as a team we want to go as far as we can. Make it into the playoffs and make it to game #69 and battle every night and do what you can to fight. Individually, I just want to grow as a player and a person and get stronger in all aspects of my game, take a bigger role, and hopefully work my way onto some special teams.”
What’s your favorite memory in Portland so far?
HD: “In Prince George winning the Western Conference Finals. That’s kind of hard to beat.”
What message would you like to relay to the fans?
HD: “Bring it every night. We’re going to need you guys this year so we’re excited to play in front of you again. Thanks for being the best fans in the league.”
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