MANOTICK, ON - As the Manotick Mariners get set to drop the puck for their inaugural season, Liam Dennison shared some of his experiences playing professionally with the Utah Grizzlies in the ECHL, as well as playing at the NCAA collegiate level with the Merrimack College Warriors men's ice hockey team. Amongst other things, Dennison offered some interesting insight into his daily life.
Enjoy the interview with Dennison, who - spoiler alert - also happens to be born and raised in Manotick, ON.
Who inspired you as a young hockey player?
"My grandfather, Andy Van Hellemond (NHL Referee for 25 seasons and Hockey Hall of Fame inductee in 1999), is the one who taught me how to skate and inspired me to pursue hockey from a young age. My parents are the ones who gave me every opportunity to play hockey and inspired me to work hard at it."
What can Mariners fans expect when it comes to your style of play?
"Mariners fans can expect a smooth skating skilled game from me. I like to work hard defensively and then join the offense in spots where I can be the 4th man in the rush."
What are some of your favorite college hockey memories at Merrimack College (NCAA)?
"My favorite moments are playing in the Hockey East final at TD Garden and playing in the NCAA tournament as well. I'll really miss hanging out with all my teammates from Merrimack and going for meals together."
What was it like to play professional hockey?
"Ending my season in Utah (Salt Lake City) with the Grizzlies was an incredible experience. I met a lot of great guys, and they treat their players very well. The pro style is much different than college and it was cool to see how hockey is played at the pro level."
Who are some of the best hockey players you’ve had the chance to play against?
"Some of the best players I've gotten the chance to compete against would be Quinn and Jack Hughes, Lane Hutson, and Macklin Celebrini."
What are you most proud of in your hockey career?
"My senior year at Merrimack I torn my MCL and Meniscus right at the beginning of the season and was expected to miss the entire season. I ended up making a full comeback and playing out the rest of that year which enabled me to play at TD Garden in the playoffs and compete in the NCAA tournament. I am most proud of this moment because it taught be a lot about resiliency and overcoming adversity."
Do you have a pre-game ritual that you do before every game?
"I don't have any rituals beside putting my left skate on before my right."
What do you like to do when you’re not playing hockey?
"When I'm not playing hockey, I'm usually hanging out with my family and friends. In the summers I golf, boat, and fish quite often. In the fall/winter I am competing in my fantasy football league where I'm a 4x Champion."
View Liam Dennison on Elite Prospects: Click Here
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