Will Brandon Hickey leave college for Red Deer?

Way back in August, the Red Deer Rebels made a minor transaction that could have big ramifications in two leagues: they traded for the rights to Calgary Flames prospect Brandon Hickey.

You see, the Rebels are hosting the Mastercard Memorial Cup next May and are guaranteed an automatic berth in that tournament. But no host team wants to be the weak link competing against the champions from the Ontario, Quebec and Western Hockey Leagues, so you often see host teams going all-out.

With the eyes of the hockey-playing world about to be fixated on the World Junior Championship in Helsinki and the college season (and semester) in its winter break, the question remains: Will Brandon Hickey leave…