Playing Career
Pat Hickey played his junior hockey with the Hamilton Red Wings of the OHA from 1970 to 1973. Hickey was drafted 30th overall by the New York Rangers in the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft and 18th overall by the Toronto Toros of in the 1973 WHA Amateur Draft. His nickname was "Hitch". He played 646 career NHL games, scoring 192 goals and 212 assists for 404 points. 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. So in 1975-76, he made his debut on Broadway. Hickey was a popular player during his time with the NY Rangers. Initially, he joined Walt Tkaczuk and Bill Fairbairn on a line but then switched to a trio that included Rick Middleton and Derek Sanderson. In his third year, Hickey caught fire, netting 40 goals by the end of the 1977-78 campaign. In 1978, when the Rangers acquired Swedish stars Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson from the WHA's Winnipeg Jets, Hickey was selected to play on a line with them in part because of his speed and scoring ability. Hickey would later be part of a high scoring line in Toronto, along with Rick Vaive and Bill Derlago.
In 1978, Pat was selected to represent Team Canada on a World Cup medal winning team.
- Selected by New York Rangers round 2 #30 overall 1973 NHL Amateur Draft.
- Selected by Toronto Toros round 2 #18 overall 1973 WHA Amateur Draft.
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