The Cents had one of their most successful seasons in 30 years, and with that comes the unfortunate reality that some of the best players to don a Centennials crest will be leaving for the next step in their hockey careers in the NCAA. In the coming weeks we will give one final salute to the young men who served the Cents in the 2018/19 season.
‘O Captain, My Captain’ – Nick Wicks
Nick Wicks is one of the longest tenured Centennials who will be moving on. Serving as Captain in his final year with the Cents he was instrumental to the teams success this year. Improving on his season totals from year one (12 in 46 GP), and year two (46 in 57GP), he was one of the few known commodities coming into the year – the highest scoring returning player from a season ago.
Before coming to the Centennials, Wicks honed his craft in his hometown at the Delta Hockey Academy. In his final season there, he scored at a 1.5 point per game pace putting up 43 points in 28 games. The following year he moved on to the Richmond Sockeyes of the PIJHL where he once again showed his offensive prowess putting up 41 points in 44 games in the regular season and adding 3 points in the playoffs.
Head Coach Joe Martin recalls his first look at Nick Wicks and knew that his Hockey IQ was one of his defining characteristics.
“With Nick from the very beginning you could tell that he was a very smart player who was very aware of what was going on in all areas of the ice and had that good two-way hockey sense.”
From creating unique hand shakes that he dolled out to every player before each period, to leading the way with his quiet confidence, he was always a player who could open up the game with his skill. Even in the defensive end, his toolkit came to the fore by always creating space for himself and team mates and buying valuable seconds of separation. He was a force at both ends of the ice, on the powerplay and the penalty kill. He was a complete player, and a complete class act.
Finishing the year with 18 goals and 41 assists while playing in all 58 games, he finished 4th in scoring on the Cents and 18th in the BCHL.
Despite his offensive accomplishments, Coach Martin says that it was his work ethic that stood out during his time with the Cents.
“Nick had those inbred qualities that you look for in a hockey player. He was an insanely hard worker and he set the tone in practice with his pace and good habits.”
Next season Wicks will move on to the University of Alaska Anchorage, and Martin says there getting a complete package.
“I think the coaching staff there will be impressed with Nick’s vision and abilities to create offense, but he’s also exceptional at playing at both ends of the rink.”
In moving on to UAA, Wicks will be reunited with Centennials alumnus Zach Court. The Cents wish Wicks and his family all the best as he moves forward with his career, and thank them for their contributions to the Centennials organization.
