INSIDE HOCKEY

Wild prospect Chris Hickey returned to a familiar rink Wednesday during Minnesota’s prospect camp. They practiced at the St. Thomas Ice Arena, the home of St. Thomas Academy, and the rival of Hickey’s high school, Cretin-Derham Hall.

“It is unreal to come back here and play,” Hickey said. “We had a good rivalry going and it is still going. I will never forget those days.”

Not only is the St. Thomas Ice Arena the home of St. Thomas Academy, it is in Mendota Heights − the same town in which Hickey grew up. But he usually just says he is from St. Paul. Hickey attended Cretin-Derham Hall and played varsity all four years. During his freshman year he played 27 games, where he recorded 32 points and 32 penalty minutes. The following year he improved his numbers, appearing in 28 games and posting 25 goals and 21 assists.

Hickey’s junior year was his best, helping lead Cretin-Derham Hall to a state championship in 2006. He led his team in scoring with 37 goals and 25 assists in 31 games. He had six goals in three state tournament games and was named to the All-Tournament team that year.

“We beat [St. Thomas Academy] twice that year,” Hickey said.

Hickey was drafted 192nd overall in the NHL Entry Draft by the Wild. Hickey said he feels very lucky to have been chosen by his hometown team.

“It’s always fun to play at the Xcel Energy Center,” Hickey said. “Growing up it’s a dream [to play for your home team]. Just to be a part of it is unreal.”

Hickey was named captain his senior year, but a knee injury limited him to just 17 games. Despite his limited playing time he still posted 36 points.

Hickey committed to the University of Wisconsin but did not attend right after high school. Instead he spent a year with the Tri-City Storm of the USCHL. He did not have as great of a year as many were hoping but he did manage 15 goals and16 assists in 55 games, which was fourth best on his team.

In his freshman year with Wisconsin he played in only eight games, where he recorded one goal.

Because of the lack of playing time rumors have surfaced that Hickey is transferring from the University of Wisconsin. When asked he simply said, “Right now I’m focusing on this week and just getting better and improving and as far as everything else goes we will see what happens.”

Cretin-Derham Hall is known for producing Twins catcher Joe Mauer. Hickey thinks there is no way you can compare him to the star baseball player.

“You can’t even put me in the same sentence as him,” Hickey said. “Joe Mauer is in his own category he is unbelievable. He is someone I look up to.” Hickey also noted that he is enjoying prospect camp and hopes it will help him improve.

“In order to play regularly in the National Hockey League he is going to have to be an offensive producer,” said Assistant General Manager Tom Thompson. “He has good hands. He has a scorer’s instincts and that is the role he is going to have to fill.”