Ontario Reign Player Review: Joe Hicketts

With the Ontario Reign season over, we will begin our player reviews for the 2025-26 season. Up first: Joe Hicketts!

*Note: These player reviews will be for players who played at least five games with the Reign and finished the season with the team*

Season stats

Games: 67

Goals: 4

Assists: 17

Points: 21

+/-: +1

Penalty minutes: 61

Season review

The captain of the Reign did what he was supposed to do: lead by example. Joe Hicketts completed his third season with the Reign, his second as the team captain, and led the team in points by a defenseman with 21. He played in all situations, especially late in games, protecting a lead.

His 21 points aren’t a high number compared to higher-scoring defensemen in the Pacific Division, but Hicketts’ value lies in other areas. His leadership and mentor skills on the backend with a young defensive core standout. He leads by example, sacrifices himself to block shots, and isn’t afraid to battle in the hard-nose areas to win those puck battles. That’s why he’s the captain.