HICKETTS RECALLED BY DETROIT

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Detroit Red Wings on Monday recalled defenseman Joe Hicketts from the Grand Rapids Griffins.

A second-year professional, Hicketts has posted 10 points (3-7—10) and 32 penalty minutes in 63 games with the Griffins this season.

The 5-foot-8, 180-pound blueliner became the 168th Griffins alumnus to play in the NHL when he made his debut with the Red Wings during the team’s 3-0 win at New Jersey on Jan. 22. In 15:13 of ice time, Hicketts blocked three shots, recorded one hit and finished with a plus-one rating.

A 2017 Calder Cup champion with Grand Rapids, the 21-year-old led all Griffins defensemen in scoring with 23 points (7-27—34) in 73 appearances last season. Among the AHL’s first-year blueliners, Hicketts placed seventh in point production and tied for third with a plus-15 rating. Among the league’s rookie defensemen, Hicketts placed second in playoff points with eight (1-7—8) while skating in all 19 contests of the Griffins’ title run.

Signed by Detroit as an undrafted free agent in September 2014, Hicketts played four seasons (2012-16) for the Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League before turning pro. He totaled 173 points (32-141—173) in 224 career games and served as captain during his final two seasons.

A native of Kamloops, British Columbia, Hicketts has twice represented Canada at the World Junior Championships. He helped Canada win the gold medal in 2015 and served as an assistant captain the following year.

The Red Wings host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

The Griffins continue their playoff push on Wednesday when they host the Texas Stars at 7 p.m.

Single-game tickets are currently on sale. Fans can secure their full-season, select-season or group ticket packages by calling (616) 774-4585 ext. 2 or visit griffinshockey.com for more information.