QMJHL Charlottetown Islanders

Prospect Spotlight: Donald Hickey

February 8, 2024 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release


For those who followed hockey at the Canada Games last winter, the name Donald Hickey may ring a bell. Hickey was the starting goalie for Team Newfoundland and Labrador at the 2023 Canada Winter Games.

The Conception Bay South native is now enjoying a stellar campaign with the Cornwall Colts of the Central Canada Hockey League. In his rookie season at the Jr.A level in Ontario, Hickey has posted a 13-5 record with a respectable 2.27 goals-against average and an exceptional .929 save percentage.

Under the prospect spotlight, his stats are quite appealing, however, the 16-year-old isn't letting his Elite Prospects page influence his game.

"I've been feeling really good this year with a good save percentage but the stats don't define how I play; I never look at my stats. I like to go out there and give it my all every night to give my team a chance to win and most importantly, have fun while doing it," said Hickey.

As all 16-year-old draft picks do, Hickey had the option to play another year at the U18 AAA level. However, after being drafted 63rd overall by the Islanders in the 2023 QMJHL Entry Draft, he decided to forgo his remaining time in the Hockey Eastern Ontario U18 league and make the leap to Jr.A.

"Coming into this season and coming from the Islanders camp, I had a lot of motivation. Stepping into Jr.A, I wanted to prove to everyone what I can do. I just want to get better every day and I focus on doing all the right things so I can be the best I can be," said Hickey.

Trevor Birt, the head scout for the Islanders, has been very pleased with what he's seen from Charlottetown's fourth-round selection both on and off the ice.

"Donald came out of the gates hot and never looked back. He's athletic, has quick reflexes, is highly competitive and doesn't give up on a puck. He's an outstanding kid with a tremendous family and we'd love to have him here in Charlottetown," said Birt.

As the 5'11", 165 lbs netminder develops his game in Cornwall, Ontario, he has one NHL crease guardian in mind he likes to model his playing style after.

"As I grow and watch hockey, I like to model my game after Juuse Saros. Juuse is a smaller goalie who plays like a 6'5" goalie because of his positioning and hand-eye. One of his best attributes is his speed and his eyes. If you watch Juuse in action you can see that his eyes are always following the puck, he never takes them off it."

Getting drafted by a QMJHL team was a goal of Hickey's, he also acknowledged the bonus of it being by a team with a history of talented Newfoundland natives.

"It was a phenomenal feeling to see my name pop up on the screen, it was amazing to be drafted," said Hickey. "The Islanders are open to giving Newfoundlanders a chance, which shows waves when you're looking into a good organization."

Head Coach and General Manager Jim Hulton would love to see Hickey in the black and harvest gold, but is pleased with the progress he's making and the work he's putting in with the Colts.

"Donald has the makings and potential to be a good-quality starter in the league. He's developing his game at a great rate for a young goalie. He's having a great year on a good Colts team and is focused on his school as well which we love to see in a prospect," said Hulton.

Looking ahead to the future, Hickey isn't only focused on what he can be on the ice.

"I just want to keep getting better every day and keep pushing myself to be the best player and the best person I can be," said Hickey.

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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from February 8, 2024


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