Liam O'Brien was an early fan favorite but has played in just three games for Utah Hockey Club this season.
When the team made its first appearance at Delta Center last spring, O’Brien grabbed the mic and hyped the crowd into a frenzy.But following that fiery introduction to the base, O’Brien has had little time in front of his ever-loyal followers who continue to ask: “Where is Spicy Tuna?”
O’Brien’s absence from the nightly lineup is not for lack of talent, but rather, lack of space. And that is a good thing for Utah. “It’s tough to talk about it without wanting to jinx everything, but it’s pretty rare that you have a group of forwards as healthy as we’ve had since the start,” head coach André Tourigny said.
Utah Hockey Club forward Liam O'Brien as Utah Hockey Club hosts the Los Angeles Kings, NHL pre-season hockey in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024.“I think my role overall is to bring energy whether that’s on the ice or off the ice. I’m one of the older guys in the room, so obviously there is a leadership aspect as well,” O’Brien said. “Even if I’m not in the lineup, I feel like I can still have an impact and help my teammates out.
Following the Nov. 23 skate in Pittsburgh ahead of Utah’s game against the Penguins, O’Brien stayed out on the ice with Kolyachonok even as the Zambonis started to circle the rink. The youngster was looking to get some fighting tips from O’Brien, so, the two lined up and went through the motions of an NHL bout.
The Halifax, Nova Scotia native was undrafted and played four seasons in the QMJHL before signing as a free agent with the Washington Capitals after he was invited to their 2014 training camp. He then spent the better part of six seasons in the AHL between the Hershey Bears and Colorado Eagles before signing with the Arizona Coyotes in July 2021 and inked a three-year extension with Utah in June.
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