ROYALS’ JOE HICKETTS ASSIGNED TO GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

Apr 24, 2016 - 12:42 PDT Victoria captain joins the Griffins of the American Hockey League.

For Immediate Release
Sunday, April 24, 2016

Victoria, BC- The Victoria Royals are pleased to announce that Joe Hicketts has been reassigned to the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Grand Rapids Griffins by the Detroit Red Wings for the remainder of the 2015-16 season.

Hicketts was signed to a three-year entry level contract as a free agent by Detroit in 2014 after he attended the Red Wing’s development camp and the 2014 NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City, MI.

The native of Kamloops, BC recorded 61 points (8g-53a) and a +38 rating in 59 games with the club this campaign and finished the 2015-16 regular season tied for second in the WHL for assists (53) by a defencemen and seventh in scoring (61 points).

This season, Hicketts was recognized as the Western Conference’s Player of the Year and Top Defenceman. The Royals’ blueliner has been nominated for the league honour in both categories for the 2016 WHL Awards luncheon that will take place on May 4th in Calgary, AB. Hicketts was also named to the Western Conference’s First All-Star Team.

For the second consecutive year, Hicketts was a member of Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships in Helsinki, Finland. Named as an assistant captain, Hicketts registered three points (1g-2a) in five games during the tournament. Hicketts also took part in the annual Canada Russia Series for Team WHL where he recorded two assists and a +2 rating over two games. He was named captain of Team WHL for Game 2, which took part in his hometown.

The 5-8, 175 lb defender has posted 173 points (32g-141a) in 225 career games with Victoria. Earlier this season, Hicketts set the Royals’ all-time franchise record for most career points by a defenceman (173) and powerplay assists (70).

The Royals’ 2016-17 Season Ticket Packages are on-sale now. Guarantee yourself the best seats, prices and benefits that includes the most flexible ticket exchange policy in the WHL. Secure your spot for next season by giving the Royals’ ticket office a call at 250-220-7889 or sending an email to tickets@victoriaroyals.com to set up an appointment to view available seating.