The Manchester Monarchs, the primary affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, have added defenseman Thomas Hickey to their roster, Monarchs director of hockey operations Hubie McDonough announced today.
Hickey, 20, was the fourth overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, behind only Patrick Kane, James vanRiemsdyk and Kyle Turris. He recently finished his fourth full season with the Western Hockey League’s Seattle Thunderbirds. As captain of the Thunderbirds, the 6-foot, 191-pound native of Calgary, Alta., led the team’s blueliners with a career high 16 goals and 51 points (16-35=51) in 57 games. Hickey’s 51 points also ranked 10th among WHL defensemen. In 262 career games with the Thunderbirds from 2004-09, Hickey collected 177 points (39-138=177) and 208 penalty minutes.
In December, Hickey was named Canada’s team captain for the 2009 World Junior Championships in Ottawa. The tournament ran from December 26 to January 5 and Hickey recorded three points (0-3=3), two penalty minutes and five shots on goal in six games as Team Canada won the gold medal with a perfect 6-0 record.
Hickey signed a three-year entry level contract with the Kings on July 17, 2007. He will wear No. 37 for the Monarchs.
