Undrafted 3rd year, former Boston University Terriers senior captain defenseman, Brandon Hickey(44) signs for 2021/2022 with Florida Everblades after spending the first three years of his pro career in the AHL.
The 6’2″ 200 lbs. blue liner signed a 2-year entry level deal with Buffalo Sabres upon completing college and spent two campaigns with affiliate Rochester Americans, but was left unqualified when it expired.
He agreed to terms with Chicago Wolves last season, although skated only 15 games in an almost completely blown 2020/2021.
The Leduc, AB native stayed close for all his youth hockey before joining Spruce Grove Saints, taking it up a notch in his 2nd frame with 4 goals and 19 assists, then another 5 helpers in 13 playoff contests on the way to the 2014 AJHL Championship.
He has great on-ice accountability with a +18 rating as a pro and +21 through college.
We think the 25-year old will continue find better success in the lower league.
He actually spent all of last season loaned up to Henderson Silver Knights, then Abbotsford Canucks, but will try to return to the sunny state for 2022/2023.
With the Everblades for 22 regular season matchups, good for 3 goals and 4 assists with a +9 rating, then added 3 assists in 22 playoff games on the way to a 2023 Kelly Cup Championship.
He was also back up in Nevada, getting 1 goal and 1 assist with a +3 rating through 17 games.
His efforts pay off and he gets a 1-year deal to play up.
For 2023/2024, he gets a new deal in a Silver Knights‘ sweater to continue.
In 35 games, he raises his point total slightly and is invited to work further and likely increase his load for another contract to stay in Henderson.