Undrafted Forward's AHL Journey

0:00On March 29, Jack Ricketts, a 26-year-old undrafted forward, made a whirlwind jump to the American hockey league this season. After a solid college career with 114 points over 158 games at Holy Cross and Quinnipiac, he signed a one-year deal with the Tucson Roadrunners. Less than 24 hours after a late-night call-up from the Utah Grizzlies, he hopped a plane and debuted against the San Diego goals. Earlier this season, Ricketts started strong in the ECHL with the Grizzlies, notching 18 points including eight goals in 30 games, with the teams struggled near the bottom of their division and now they're relocating to Trenton next year. Up top, the roadrunners were hit hard by injuries to guys like Kevin Rooney and call-ups to the NHL, creating an opening he grabbed. Coaches and teammates rave about his work ethic in two-way play. Head coach Steve Potvin praised his forecheck and willingness to get uncomfortable. Ricketts credits his college programs for pro-level prep and family showed up for his early

1:02games in Vegas, boosting his spirits amid the chaos. Fast forward nearly three months and he's locked in the lineup, shifting lines but staying consistent. He scored his first two AHL goals against the Calgary Wranglers, then tallied six points in eight games. Even through a recent point drought, he kept grinding with shots and solid defense, just breaking it with an assist. Ricketts keeps it simple, compete hard, learn from NHL vets and chip away daily. At 26, the NHL path is steep but his hustle has him sticking in Tucson, eyes locked on that next level. Keep working, as his old coaches say, that's the beat he's dropping now. That's your update from NHL News Today, powered by AI.