Pedzisa mutsara unotevera: Nickerson akatambira Texas Tornado yeNorth American Hockey League mumwaka wa2001-02 na2002-03. Yakanga iri mumwaka wake wekupedzisira nechikwata icho Nickerson akakwezva kutarisa kweNHL scouts, uye muNHL 2003
Entry Draft Dallas Stars yakatora Nickerson mumutambo wechitatu nechisarudzo chechi 99. Nickerson akapedza mwaka wake unotevera paClarkson University, kwaakaunganidza maminitsi 179 ekuranga mumitambo 38. Nickerson akasaina chibvumirano chemakore matatu chokutanga asati atamba muVictoriaville. Nokuda NHL lockout, akatumirwa kuna Quebec Major Junior Hockey League kuti Victoriaville Tigres, uye pakupedzisira akatendeuka pro muna Finnish SM-liiga, achitamba Ässät.