May 15--Pat Hickey

Pat Hickey

 

His nickname was "Hitch".

Selected in second round

by New York Rangers number 30 overall in the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft.

Selected in the second round

by Toronto Toros number 18 overall in the 1973 WHA Amateur Draft.

Pat Hickey played his junior hockey with the Hamilton Red Wings of the OHA from 1970 to 1973. He was drafted by the New York Rangers but opted instead to join the Toronto Toros of the WHA since they offered the prospects of big-league play while the Rangers only offered a ticket to join the Providence Reds of the AHL.

With the Toros, Hickey became a big hit on the scoreboard and among the fans. As one of hockey's fastest skaters, his long shock of blond hair tailed in the wind as he raced up ice, exciting fans. Few wingers could move as quickly either from a standing start or in added acceleration.

During his two seasons of World Hockey, he matured into an excellent two-way player. Such development didn't go unnoticed by the Rangers who still held his NHL rights. They were willing to pay Hickey more money than the impoverished Toros could afford.

Coincidence. My wife went to high school with him in Brantford. When he was playing junior in Hamilton, he went to the same high school I did.

 Also included his business card as I requested if he had any business cards or photos to send.

And a short note on company letterhead.. At the time I wrote him, I was living in Brantford so he appreciated hearing from the home town. Notice the 22 cent stamp to send form US to Canada.

CAREER NHL STATISTICS Years Teams GP G A TP PIM 1975-1985 NYR, COL, TOR, QUE, STL 646 192 212 404 351

CAREER NHL PLAYOFF STATISTICS Years Teams GP G A TP PIM 1978-1985 NYR, TOR, QUE, STL 55 5 11 16 37

Sent request to him in 1987 to his then workplace. Received these blue ink signed cards with the year 87 added. I wonder if he puts the year on all his signed cards.