GRAND RAPIDS - It wasn't any easier for Joe Hicketts to go from the Detroit Red Wings to the Grand Rapids Griffins for a third time in less than a season, but it did come with its positives.
For one, the Griffins had open arms to have his presence on defense, and it showed as the team earned five of six points in three games in three days last weekend.
Individually, Hicketts returned to the AHL with some fresh hockey cred in his pocket. He had been the Red Wings since training camp - far longer than his two stints last season - that provided him valuable experience on and off the ice.