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When hockey fans talk about what rookie will make the most impact in the upcoming season the popular names such as New York Islanders forward John Tavares, Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Victor Hedman or Atlanta Thrashers forward Evander Kane are usually the first names that fans think about. While all those players are excellent choices to have the biggest impact, every fan seems to forget about Los Angeles Kings prospect defenceman Thomas Hickey. Hickey who played a huge roll on defence in helping Team Canada win their fifth straight Gold during last year’s World Junior Championships is a former 2007 fourth overall pick by the Kings. This 20 year-old is coming off a monster season with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League where he scored 16 goals and 51 points in only 57 games. “First and foremost. We made him captain at 18,” said Thunderbirds coach Rob Sumner about his long time captain. “ “That’s not often that it happens. Generally, a 19 or 20 year old will be made captain. But he’s not your average guy. Realistically, he probably could have worn it and been in our captain circle as a 17-year-old.” A couple of weeks ago Hickey who was born in Calgary Alberta ventured to Southern California and achieved his objective of having a solid development camp which was coordinated by current Kings Coach Terry Murray. “There’s a high skill level,” Murray said about Hickey who reported to the main training camp last season a step behind the other players due to an ankle injury. “He’s a very intelligent player. He sees the ice and really moves the puck well. He’s gotten bigger physically. He’s stronger. He shows more confidence, much more authority to manage the game.” Sumner who believes that Hickey can have an immediate impact in the NHL compared his puck rushing abilities to Chicago Blackhawk’s star defenceman Brian Campbell. Other names that came to Sumner’s mind when talking about Hickey’s game were Anaheim Duck’s veteran rearguard Scott Niedermayer and Detroit Red Wings All-Star Nicklas Lindstrom. Hickey who is 5 foot 11 and 182 pounds is being counted upon to make the team and improve during the season on a young blue line that includes Drew Doughty who is entering his second season and 22 year-old Jack Johnson. ‘Looking at the numbers, they’ve got a bunch of guys in here that are totally capable,” Hickey said about the defenceman he will be in competition with at training camp. “It’s up to you to try to come in and make your own name because you’ve got to have respect for the guys that are there.” There is no doubt in Los Angeles that when April rolls around hockey fans all around the world will know who Thomas Hickey is.
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