Joe Hicketts

Lore & Background

Hicketts was undrafted in the 2014 NHL entry draft and signed as a free agent with the Detroit Red Wings on September 24, 2014. He played for the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) and appeared in a total of about 24 games over parts of two seasons (2017-18 and 2018-19) with the Red Wings. He later signed with the Minnesota Wild and then the Los Angeles Kings.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights hummed overhead as the practice session wound down. Joe stood near the blue line, stick in hand, watching the young forwards drill their exits from the zone. The ice was scarred from hours of skating, reflecting the intensity of a team trying to find its rhythm again. He called out instructions about spacing and pressure, his voice echoing off the glass. It wasn't just about winning that shift; it was about building habits that would last when the lights came on for the real game.

Reader's Guide

Hicketts played junior hockey for the Victoria Royals of the WHL, where he set franchise records for career points by a defenceman and powerplay assists. He represented Canada at multiple international tournaments, winning a gold medal at the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship.

Did You Know?

• Hicketts was undrafted in the 2014 NHL entry draft.
• He made his NHL debut with the Detroit Red Wings on January 22, 2018.
• He recorded his first two NHL points on March 27, 2018, in a 5-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
• He captained Canada's Winter Youth Olympic team to bronze in 2012.
• He won a gold medal with Canada at the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship.