The WHL’s website posted a profile of Joe Hicketts, as written by Robert Murray. Murray penned a really lengthy discussion with “Hicksy” regarding his NHL debut, the work that went into making the NHL, and where he goes from here:
“You’ve just got to put your head down and keep working,” Hicketts said, offering advice for similar players in his position. “I’ve been told countless times by even NHL general managers [that I’m] too small, too slow, not in good enough shape.
“To make it, I’ve played one game and obviously there’s that fire now that you want to play more but it all starts in the gym, working on your shot, your skating. With today’s game, there’s so many resources that are available to help you.”
One of those resources came from his parents, who were with him growing up through minor hockey and made it to his debut.
“From the amount of time, effort, and money they put into me growing up through minor hockey, to get there to that point to see them after the game and how excited they were for me, it’s something that I think makes the whole journey up to this point worth it.”
Continued, and this one is worth your time…
Great article. See how much a single game in the NHL can fuel a player. It’s a shame he didn’t get called up 3 months ago to inspire him all season. He was also playing with more confidence then. But alas…Brian Lashoff was ready!