Doug Hicks played 9 years in the NHL and was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota North Stars in 1974. Hicksie was a fast skating rearguard whom, on occasion, would play on the forward line. Doug is an Alberta native who has returned home to establish himself in a flourishing wine business in Edmonton.
Q: You were drafted in the first round by Minnesota. How exciting was that?
Hicks: It was the first year of the NHL underage draft and to be selected by Minnesota in the first round was exciting. I was 18 years old and had played three years of junior with the Flin Flon Bombers. I sat by the telephone waiting for it to ring because in those days the draft wasn’t televised and players weren’t taken to the draft. When the phone rang a scout told me I had been selected by Minnesota. I reported directly to the North Stars and played there for three years.
Q: You played with Chicago Blackhawks. To play in that old stadium in the 70’s had to be memorable.
Indeed it was, the crowds, the organ and the old Blackhawk greats like Stan Mikita, Keith Magnussen were still around.
Q: You played and were partnered with Bobby Orr in Chicago when his career ended?
He played ten games at the start of the season and recorded 12 points but defensively it was frustrating. He couldn’t turn to the outside any more and was -12 and Orr being the consummate team man decided to retire because his knees were gone and he couldn’t contribute any longer.
Q: Tell us about coming home to play with the Edmonton Oilers, a team on the verge of greatness?
It was exciting, my Mom and Dad lived in Red Deer and they could watch me play. Edmonton has been my home base ever since. To be a part of a franchise that you could feel was destined for greatness was terrific. You knew from the outset that Gretzky was groomed for greatness. He always had such on-ice vision and I can recall taking a pass from him and walking in all alone to score. Wayne had drawn everybody to him. Wayne also had the ability to elevate his teammates play. I’m very proud of the way Edmonton is honouring him, 3,000 people at a banquet, charity golf tournament, naming a street after him, retiring his #99 and a public salute at the Skyreach Centre. Edmonton was where he led the Oilers to four Stanley Cups and established himself as the greatest player in the world.
Q: What was your greatest personal thrill in hockey?
When we beat Montreal in the playoffs in 1980–81. This was a great accomplishment for a new franchise. Andy Moog, our goalie was awesome, but we all made a contribution to the series win.
Q: What do you think has been the biggest change in hockey since you played?
Personally I believe the development of the Graphite hockey stick. Players can now all shoot harder and goaltenders have to be bigger, better and sharper. I’m also of the opinion with all the European players we have today the skill level is better than ever.
Q: Did you find it difficult to retire?
When my NHL career was over I played in Europe for five years and that allowed me to ease into the business side of life. However, to go from the NHL to the job market would have been difficult.
Q: You are in the wine business in Edmonton, how has that worked out?
Great, my store is Crestwood Wines and we have opened a new state-of- the-art store in a nice neighbourhood. We believe in direct customer service and we have developed an excellent clientele. The wine business is an art and you must keep ahead of the trends to be successful and we have done that.
Q: You seem to enjoy the Oldtimers’ Tour?
I keep myself in good shape so it allows me to play a game I love, entertain great fans, get involved in many worthwhile charities and get back on road trips where we have a lot of fun and camaraderie.
