Thomas Hickey’s time with the Kings has been a series of fits and starts. Impressive at times, held back by injuries at others, Hickey is still looking for his big breakthrough with the Kings. I caught up with him after today’s development camp game…
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Question: You’ve been to a handful of these now. You must feel pretty comfortable at a camp like this…
HICKEY: “We sort of talk about it and joke about it, because Bud (Holloway) has been here, I think this is his fifth camp, so he’s the real veteran, but it’s fun coming back, and they do a good job of making sure there’s new stuff to learn every year. So you get a lot out of it every time.”
Question: Does the confidence level just go up a little bit each time? I’m sure you’re glad to be healthy right now…
HICKEY: “It was a difficult season, and I was thankful that I finally got in at the end there and finally got healthy and played and contributed. It’s much easier going into the summer when you’re coming off playing, as opposed to not knowing where you’re at. So it feels really good right now.”
Question: And to get that playoff experience, how big was that?
HICKEY: “Yeah, that’s big. Missing games in the regular season is one thing, but if you’re a player, you want to play in the playoffs. I got the opportunity to do that, and I think it means a little bit more to your career.”
Question: Ron Hextall, in particular, singled you out for your effort during that final playoff game. Even though you lost, do you look at that game as a highlight for yourself?
HICKEY: “It was an elimination game. We had our backs to the wall, and everyone was just working so hard. Unfortunately, we didn’t get it, but everyone’s mindset was to just go as hard as you can, because we had a whole summer ahead of us. So we all put it out there.”
Question: How closely do you follow what’s going on with the Kings? There is the potential for one or two spots to be open on defense here. Do you look at that as motivation?
HICKEY: “I can look at it two ways. Obviously I’m keeping my eye on that, because I want to be a part of the L.A. Kings, but at the same time, I know it’s about what I do. It’s not about how many spots are open. I’ve got to work really hard and have a really good camp, and part of that is me being down here and working with (strength coach) Tim Adams. It’s more about getting my game where I need it, as opposed to what’s open.”
Question: There’s not much you can do about the injuries, but were they frustrating again this season?
HICKEY: “They’re very frustrating. I had the shoulder at the start of the year, and then finally getting healthy and feeling good and getting back to playing, and then the day before the playoffs, hurting my ankle again. You learn a lot, though. You learn how to work hard to get back. It’s about being mentally strong, and making sure that when you do get that chance to get back in the lineup, that your’e not a liability and you’re ready to contribute. So that was a big part of the learning for me this year.”
Question: How much concern, though, is there that the injuries keep popping up for you?
HICKEY: “Absolutely. The one thing with the shoulder was, it was lingering for probably four years, and that’s when I finally got it checked out and got it done. So that wasn’t something that just happened from playing against bigger guys. But I understand that you’ve got to train your body and be ready, and that’s what the summers are for and that’s why I’m here right now, to get my body in shape so that those things aren’t even on my mind.”
Question: Anything in particular that you’re working on in your game?
HICKEY: “With Tim, he’s got a whole philosophy for training, but it’s more about getting your body intact, starting with your core and then going from there. When your’e stable, the rest of your body will be more durable and less prone to injury, so that’s the biggest thing, to start out.”
I hope the Kings keep Hickey. I think he will eventually contribute. There are a lot of D-men with potential in the organization now. Hickey has hockey sense and can move the puck. Guys like that hare hard to find.
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It’s hard not to be pulling for Thomas Hickey, as what would be his “normal” development through the organization has been hindered by these injuries. Do we yet have an honest assessment of his potential and capabilities as a player?
That said, all this injury history must be put behind him as he does not have too much longer (1-2 years) to show his promise (not that he needs to make the big club, yet), or else all the potential that was this draft selection will have sadly been lost. He needs to stay injury free now and show some real progress now.
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Hey Quisp, Versteeg to the Leafs for prospects. You are, in fact, a predictor of the future.
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Quisp Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
@USCG,
One more deal to go for the Hawks, in addition to dumping Huet in the minors.
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Easy to see why this kid is thought of as a future leader just from the way he answers these questions. He is very mature.
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Just how tall is Hickey? I see different #’s getting thrown out.
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quisp Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
@Ike,
Hickey appears to be 6′ 195lbs. He might be 5’11.5″
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Ike Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 7:54 am
@quisp, Thanks Buddy. Doesn’t seem that “small” to me. Hopefully he can get a little stronger.
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Hickey has the perfect attitude. I look forward to him playing for the Kings for years to come.
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I think this has to be a big year for Hickey. Not that he needs to make the Kings, just that he needs to have a full year in Manchester where he’s healthy & productive. That said, I’m rooting for him to make it.
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I agree Marc This is going to be a big year for Hickey.
He’s had some tough breaks since being drafted but it’s time for him to stay healthy and make a run at getting a roster spot on the Kings during the summer.
He needs to continue to imporve and show people why he was captain of the Canadian Junior team.
I hope he makes it.
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A very high pick for someone made of glass. He needs to make the team this year.
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Hickey had an unfortunate injury that kept him out of people’s mindset. During the juniors days Hickey meant a lot more to Seattle than even Doughty meant to Regina. Just to show you how much this kid can shine when he gets the ball rolling. He has the mindset and attitude to be a solid mainstay with the Kings and could prove to be part of an awesome D for years to come. I even think Hickey’s former teammate in Seattle (Holloway) will be given a serious look at this year, and might even crack the lineup sometime next season.
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Vic Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 11:32 am
@J, I agree with you J… I’m from Seattle and had the honor to watch Hickey & Holloway for a few years. They were an amazing duo, knowing each other’s moves, position, etc like second nature without even looking, there were so many assists to goals as a result of these two on the ice together. I also agree that Holloway has a great chance to make it this year too. His performance in Manchester, especially in the playoffs breaking the points in a row record, shows he is a clutch player with a lot of talent.
Both Hickey and Holloway are class acts too… The way they handle themselves on and off the ice is amazing.
Hope they both make it this year!!
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Question: Ron Hextall, in particular, singled you out for your effort during that final playoff game. Even though you lost, do you look at that game as a highlight for yourself?
HICKEY: “It was an elimination game. We had our backs to the wall, and everyone was just working so hard. Unfortunately, we didn’t get it, but everyone’s mindset was to just go as hard as you can, because we had a whole summer ahead of us. So we all put it out there.”
This is gold. He’s mature enough mentally. But is he ready skill-wise and physically ?
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