Former Iowa Wild defenseman, Joe Hicketts, put together a career season in 2022-23 establishing himself as one of the top players at his position in the American Hockey League.  Throughout 72 games, Hicketts tallied 6 goals and 42 assists, placing him fifth among AHL defenseman with an impressive 48 points.

Standing at 5’8, Hicketts is undersized for a typical defenseman, yet has consistently proven that size is not a barrier to the success he’s achieved at every level throughout his career.  

“I pride myself on my smarts, knowing where to be and anticipating the play, my quickness in the corner, and my decision making,” said Hicketts.  “Ultimately, I’m a competitor.  I like to compete and never give up.” 

Hicketts has used this same skill set and mental outlook throughout his hockey career.  Dating back to junior, Hicketts suited up for the Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League (WHL) where he served as team Captain during his final two seasons.  His outstanding performance during the 2015-16 season, which included posting 61 points in 59 games and a +/- of 38 earned him a spot on the WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team and being named the Western Conference’s Top Defenseman.  Additionally, he proudly represented Canada in two World Junior Hockey Championships, claiming Gold in 2015.

“It was unbelievable and definitely something I’ll never forget,” Hicketts explained.  “Being a Canadian and winning in Canada the way we did with everyone’s support, it was surreal.  Playing for Canada in one World Junior Tournament is a dream come true and I was fortunate enough to play in two.  I’ll never forget those experiences.”

Despite an illustrious junior career, Hicketts went undrafted to the NHL.  He did however receive an invitation to the Detroit Red Wings main camp where his play caught the attention of Detroit’s staff and where Hicketts was signed as an undrafted free agent.  In 2016, his professional career began with the Red Wings’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, where he contributed significantly to their Calder Cup triumph during his rookie season.

Mid-way through his second season with the Griffins, Hicketts received his long-awaited call to join the Detroit Red Wings, making his NHL debut on January 22, 2018, against the New Jersey Devils.

“When I got the call saying I was going to play in the NHL, the most memorable part was being able to thank all the people who helped me get there,” recounted Hicketts.  “Obviously, stepping onto the ice for the first time was something you dream about.  The lights felt a little bit brighter and the arena sounded a little bit louder.”

After spending the first five years of his pro career with the Red Wings organization, which included 22 NHL games, Hicketts signed a two-year deal with the Minnesota Wild in 2021.  This past season was his second with the Iowa Wild, Minnesota’s AHL affiliate, where he posted career numbers and was a key member of the team.

“I had some really good teammates around me.  In previous years I did as well, but this year things really clicked.  I also think with it being my seventh year as a pro, I’ve learned a lot and was able to make those veteran savvy plays.”

As an AHL veteran, Hicketts took pride in mentoring the younger prospects within the Wild organization, emphasizing the importance of supporting them on and off the ice.

“You have to be there to support your teammates but you can’t do everything for them.  When the younger guys come in, a big thing is helping them find apartments, furniture, and those kinds of things.  I am a big proponent of taking care of everything off the ice so you don’t have to worry about it when it’s time to work.  In terms of on ice, obviously there’s little tricks I try to teach them that I’ve picked up along the way.”

Another testament to Hicketts’ leadership was how he filled in for Iowa Wild Captain and PHPA Player Representative, Dakota Mermis, at the PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives this past June in Orlando, Florida.  Each year the PHPA hosts the event where one player from every American Hockey League and ECHL team attends on behalf of their teammates. The Annual Meeting features a range of innovative topics, breakout sessions, and an impressive lineup of guest presenters.

Despite not originally planning to attend, Hicketts readily embraced the opportunity to represent his team and fellow players.

“It’s one of those things that I’ve always been interested in doing and learning more about what goes on behind the scenes, but I just never had the chance.  So, when Dakota presented me with the opportunity this year, I decided to jump on it right away.”

Not knowing what to expect, Hicketts would soon be amazed by the diverse range of presentations and information that awaited him.

“It definitely exceeded my expectations, that’s for sure. I didn’t realize that I would get to hear from financial advisors, lawyers, a mental health coach, the AHL President, and many more studies and presentations that can help players during and after their career.”

Although he enjoyed each of the presentations, Hicketts was particularly impressed with the financial planning presentation from JP Witkop of Raymond James & Associates. 

“It’s one of those things where some guys including myself may already have a financial advisor, but it was comforting to hear a new voice and know that my own advisor has me on the same path.  There were also little points that JP brought up that I was able to learn about and then ask my advisor about as well.”

Hicketts also enjoyed the opportunity to interact and develop new connections with fellow AHL and ECHL players, as well as current PHPA staff members and Advisors.

“I’ve been a part of the union for seven years now and I have never met all of the staff members that work in the office, so it was nice to put faces to names that I always see on emails and build relationships with them.”

Attending the Annual Meeting allowed for Hicketts to grow personally and professionally by gaining a new perspective and understanding of the resources and support available to current and former players.  He highly recommends the event to other players.

“It’s an amazing experience going down to Florida and staying at a great resort near Disney. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to network and meet your peers from the AHL and ECHL and educate yourself on important areas surrounding the game.  You also get to learn about what the union does and who the dedicated people working there are.”

With his eighth season of professional hockey on the horizon, Hicketts is excited about his new opportunity within the Los Angeles Kings organization and a chance to return to the West Coast.

“I’ve heard a lot of great things about the program.  They have great people and players, and most importantly they want to win.  The weather is also great there and it allows me to be a little bit closer to home.”

Currently training back home in Kamloops, British Columbia, Hicketts is eagerly anticipating the journey ahead, while preparing for continued success as a productive veteran presence and leader with the Kings organization.