He led the Team USA in scoring that year at the World Junior Hockey Championships with 6 points (4 goals, 2 assists). In his sophomore year, he led his team in goals (20) and points (41), and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award
Selected 14th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2002, Chris left school following his sophomore year,
Higgins started his pro career in 2003-04, tallying 21 goals and 48 points in 67 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League.
This season, while his offensive production (25 points in 45 games) is down a bit from last year’s remarkable rookie season, Chris’ overall play has continued to show development.
He could become a member of the Canadiens’ squad in 2005-06 with a strong performance at training camp. Or he could remain stuck in limbo with the remainder of the FAB50 players affected by the labor problems of the NHL.
If the strike rolls into next year, he might want to think about going back and getting that sheepskin from Yale after all.
