Right-winger Howie Hughes spent parts of three years with the Los Angeles Kings in the late 60s. In addition to his relatively short NHL career, he put up impressive numbers in four different minor leagues.
Born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, Hughes starred with the hometown Canadians of the MJHL. In 1959-60 he enjoyed a fine rookie season as a pro with 35 goals for the St. Paul Saints of the IHL. He continued to produce as a minor league for several years and was placed on the WHL second all-star team after helping the Seattle Totems win a championship in 1967.
In June 1967, Hughes was claimed by the LA Kings in the Expansion Draft and was a decent two-way worker for nearly three years. His best season was 1968-69 when he scored 16 goals playing on a line with Howie Menard and Bob Wall. In 1970-71, Hughes began a five-year stretch in the minors before retiring in 1975. The high point in this stage of his career was being placed on the WHL first all-star team after scoring 41 goals for the Portland Buckaroos in 1973-74.
