Filipino-Canadian Josh Nicholls made a sterling performance at the conclusion of the 2014-2015 East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) season. His ability drew the attention from the New York Rangers Organization in the National Hockey League (NHL) this year.
Nicholls’ potential and good puck possession whenever he’s on the ice paved the way for his inclusion as future stalwart of Rangers.
The Rangers, who bowed out of the 2015 Eastern Conference Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning, can use Nicholls as an offensive threat in the future because of his good wrist shot.
Nicholls, son of Filipina Mae Corrales, amassed a total of 43 points (21 goals and 22 assists) in 53 games playing for Greenville Road Warriors.
He was named ECHL Rookie of the Month last March after recording a Greenville record of six-game goal streak from February 24 to March 8.
Nicholls, who started to skate at age four, is tied for second in playoff goal scoring with six goals and likewise tied in third in playoff scoring with 15 points.
He had successful stints with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the 2013-2014 American Hockey League (AHL) season.
Before plunging into ECHL, the 23-year old grandson of Immigration Consultant Edna Corrales had a tremendous five seasons with the Saskatoon Blades in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
He was an alternate captain for the Blades where he is tied at third in scoring goals with a total of 47.
Overall, he played 338 games for Saskatoon, registering 138 goals and dishing out 175 assists (313 points) for an amazing 94 points per season.
While playing for the Hartford Wolf Pack, he recorded a three-game goal streak from November 9-13 in the 2013-2014 seasons.
The 6-foot-3 right winger was originally picked by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft in the 7th round (182 overall).
He grew up cheering for the Vancouver Canucks and dreamed of wearing the orca whale jersey someday, but for the meantime it will remain a dream.
“That would be a dream come true if that happens,” says Nicholls.
The Tsawwassen native will soon have the opportunity to strut his ware in the NHL.
