| BIRTHYEAR | 1995-06-04 | BIRTHPLACE | Waterloo, Ontario |
| AGE | 20 | NATION | Canada |
| POSITION | D | SHOOTS | R |
| HEIGHT | 180 cm / 5’11” | WEIGHT | 85 kg / 187 lbs |
| YOUTH TEAM | Waterloo Wolves |
WATERLOO- For the better part of 3 seasons, Nick Hirst has been a steady member of the blue line for the Waterloo Siskins.
The Waterloo native, enters his last season of Junior eligibility with news that he would be named Captain of the Waterloo Siskins.
Over the past 3 seasons, Nick has solidified himself as a 2 way defensemen. Very responsible in his own end. Able to make that first clean crisp pass out of the defensive end. As well, he can quarterback a powerplay. Although he doesn’t put up a ton of points, Nick has 12 points on the power play and a single shorthanded point as well. Nick has seen his point totals rise over his time with the Siskins. In his first season he had 20 points in 47 games. Second season, 24 points in 44 games. This season, Nick has 3 points to date in 5 games.
Nick Hirst has great size, and impressive physical attributes. Has an impressive stride, and an ability to transition from forwards to backwards extremely well. Nick’s first 2-3 strides are effective thus allowing him to accelerate fast. Nick, has great awareness defensively, he accurately judges when and when not to jump up into the play and when to pinch in the offensive zone or retreat. Nick does not shy away and is willing to play an in your face type of game but has the ability to play that way while staying under control.
(Photo Courtesy Of Stratford Beacon)
During the 2013-2014 season, Nick had a solid regular season getting top-4 minutes. Nick broke out in the playoffs and played a very crucial role on the blue line. Nick assisted on a very crucial goal in the series. In game 2, with the series heading back to the Allman Arena for game 3 and the Siskins down 1-0 in the series, Nick assisted on the game winning goal in game 2 which was scored short handed. Playing a solid 2 way game, Nick scored 3 goals and had 10 points in 18 games on the way to a Cherrey Cup victory.
I recently caught up with Nick and asked him a few questions. Ladies and Gents, Meet this year’s Waterloo Siskins Captain. Nick Hirst.
1- Who is your favorite professional hockey player?
Nick– Ryan Getzlaf
2- What is your pregame meal?
Nick- Chicken and Spaghetti
3- Over the passed 2 seasons, you wore the number 4 on your jersey. What made you change to 14?
Nick- 14 has been my favorite number since I first started playing sports when I was 3 or 4 years old. I have worn it ever since in all the sports that I have played! The only reason I didn’t wear it the last two years with the siskins is because it was already taken by the time I signed!
4- How does it feel to be able to play your junior career at home for the Waterloo Siskins?
Nick-It’s the best! It means so much to me! I’ve been playing hockey in Waterloo since I was about 4 years old, since I first stepped on the ice! Being able to spend 3 years here, winning a Cherrey cup in one of them, and finishing my junior career in another is awesome! And I wouldn’t have it any other way!
5- What was your reaction you where named Captain of the Siskins?
Nick- I was excited to be named captain! I really hoped that I would get the ‘C’ this year and when I got that confirmation from Todd, I was extremely excited. Taking on a leadership role was and is something I am prepared and excited to do!
6- What are your goals for this season? Both on and off the ice?
Nick- Some on and off ice goals include winning another Cherrey cup! OBVIOUSLY!! Also, from myself I want to play with tons of effort and tons of passion every game doing whatever it takes to help the team succeed. Team success and winning as a team is the ultimate goal on my mind. If the team is having success and winning hockey games you can’t ask for much more then that!
7- What has been your ultimate achievement thus far?
Nick- Winning a Cherrey Cup with the Siskins in my first year of Junior B hockey!
8- A question I always ask players is what is your favorite Disney movie?
Nick- My favorite Disney movie is Monsters Inc!
9- Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?
Nick- Yes I do! It’s 5 O’clock somewhere!
10- What is the best advice you have been given?
Nick- Do what you love
And last but not least, What are something’s you would like to accomplish after Junior Hockey?
Nick- I have a couple of them. Climb mount everest. I’d like to Graduate college with lots of success and continue to play hockey at whatever level possible
Thank you Nick for your time!
We will have a follow up article with Nick in February, closer to the end of the season!
You can follow Nick on twitter at @hirstyy14
The Waterloo Siskins are in action Friday September 25th in Listowel and back home at the Waterloo Memorial Rec Complex on Sunday September 27th at 1:30 pm. We hope to see you there!
Sebastian Jackson
@SebJackson90 On twitter
