FLAMES TOP PROSPECTS - BRANDON HICKEY

From June 10-19, CalgaryFlames.com will be highlighting the organization's most promising prospects - players who have made tremendous strides since being drafted and those who could make a push for a roster spot in the near future.
Today, we're featuring Boston University standout Brandon Hickey, who has solidified himself as one of Hockey East's top defencemen during his three years with the Terriers.

Watching Brandon Hickey, it is very easy to draw comparisons to another Flames draft pick: TJ Brodie.
Like Brodie, Hickey is a smooth skating, two-way rearguard that is responsible in his own end but has no issues with leaping into the rush and getting shots to the net. While not overly physical, Hickey's positioning, gap control and stick work are noteworthy - just like Brodie.
Hickey spent his junior career in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Spruce Grove Saints, netting four goals and 22 points in 49 games in his draft-eligible 2013-14 season. That year, he also captured bronze with Canada West in the U19 World Junior A Challenge.

Deciding to go the NCAA route, Hickey headed to Boston University in the fall of 2014 and has solidified himself as one of the Terriers top defencemen. In his freshman year, he put up an impressive 17 points and 115 shots in 41 games.
While his offensive totals dipped in his sophomore campaign - he contributed eight points through 36 skates - he did earn a spot on Canada's blueline at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship. Hickey rebounded offensively in 2016-17, netting 15 points in 35 games, while playing a more defensively structured game.
In 112 career games, Hickey has 15 goals and 40 points to his name. He will be heading back for his senior season and will serve as the team's captain for the 2017-18 campaign.