OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Warriors are pleased to announce the tender signing of defenseman Nathan Rickey for the 2023-24 season.
“When talking about the development process and what the Warriors can provide for me as a player, it wasn’t a difficult decision,” said Rickey. “The role that I would be playing was right what I was looking for.”
Rickey, 19, played for the Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League during the 2022-23 season, and recorded 24 points (4G+20A) in 59 regular season games.
The Illinois native comes from a hockey family where his grandfather and uncle previously played, but he truly found his passion after watching the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.
“I remember watching the Chicago Wolves win the Calder Cup in 2008 with my dad, and I thought, ‘I want to be like those guys,’” said Rickey.
The 6’4” blueliner isn’t afraid to use his frame to play physically, but likes to have mobility and awareness at the forefront of his play.
“I’ve always been more of a hockey IQ-kind of player and I use my skill and legs for stick-on-puck plays,” said Rickey. “I can move the puck up ice under pressure and use stick handling and puck management to my advantage.”
While defensive play is what has made him successful so far, Rickey is focusing on developing the offensive side of his game when the opportunity comes for him to join the Warriors on the ice for the 2023-24 season.
“I’ve always been more defensive minded- focusing on positioning and keeping guys to the outside in our zone,” said Rickey. “But I’d like to jump in on rushes when I can and find the late-man’s ice to contribute to scoring goals entering the zone. I wasn’t hesitant for the opportunity to come down to Oklahoma. I like the idea of a change of scenery, and the team is great. Everyone wants to go to a winning team.”