What an NCAA rule change might mean for junior hockey in Sask.
Nov 18, 2024
Previously, WHL players were declared ineligible to play NCAA hockey in the U.S.
In his first start of the season, Frankie Hickson got some inspiration from The Last Dance.
The documentary miniseries documenting the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls championship season came out in 2020, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders running back did not watch it until the week leading up to the team’s game against the Montreal Alouettes last week.
“Last week just kind of fell into place,” the 27-year-old running back said. “I haven’t watched The Last Dance ever, and last week I just sat down and watched it. That was great, and they had some great ’80s and ’90s music I grew up on so I added that to the playlist, so that was putting me into a good vibe.
“Everything was poetry in motion last week and we just have to come out with a win.”
While the Riders lost 20-16 to Montreal, Hickson had a good personal game on the stat sheet, rushing for 117 yards on 16 carries — a 7.3 yards per rush average — and a touchdown.
“It always feels great just to be able to contribute to the team in any way that you can,” Hickson said. “My role has been a bit different for the start of the season but when they call on you, you better be ready.
“The saying is if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready and that’s really all you can do – just stay prepared.”
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Hickson got the start due to the team giving starter A.J. Ouellette the week off to deal with a hip injury. Hickson had spent most of the season on the practice roster, his only other game action coming in Week 5 against Toronto when he had one carry.
“That’s Frankie, man. People who have been fans of this team for the past little bit have seen his explosive ability,” said Riders head coach Corey Mace. “We’ve seen it since camp started. That’s why we feel comfortable going into any game with Frankie.
“It was fun to see him really take advantage of the opportunity while he was biding his time.”
Mace said it’s a good problem to have with two running backs able to contribute when needed.
“How can we maybe get them both on? With A.J., it’s still the same process as other weeks — just making sure we give him the best opportunity to go out there on game day,” Mace said.
“A lot of teams have two-back systems and certainly if we can shake the roster to be that way, it’s another dimension to our offence.”
Hickson said roster decisions are up to Mace and general manager Jeremy O’Day.
“That’s why they get paid the big bucks, and that’s why I don’t want their jobs,” Hickson said.
“Ultimately it’s always going to be a hard thing with ratios and things of that nature. As players, all we can do is control what we put on the field and what goes on film. So just be prepared.”
The Riders’ next showdown is on Saturday against the Edmonton Elks.
“It’s another tough opponent ready to beat us in our own home and we have to respond,” Hickson said.
Notes: Defensive linemen Micah Johnson (personal), Anthony Lanier II (knee), Bryan Cox Jr. (lower back), and Nic Dheilly (personal) didn’t practice on Tuesday. Linebacker Adam Auclair (shoulder), Ouellette (hip) and wide receiver Mitch Picton (lower back) were also non-participants.
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