(Caps Outsider)
Bears forward Liam O’Brien, somewhat known for his physical presence on the ice, has been recognized for his off ice actions this season as he was named the team’s winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award for the 2016-17 season.
The man nicknamed “Big Tuna” has been an active member in the community. He has visited with patients at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, helped with the “Roaring to Read” reading program at local elementary schools, delivered teddy bears at the Ronald McDonald House from the annual Hershey Bears Teddy Bear Toss event, honored active military and veterans at Fort Indiantown Gap, USO, spent time with patients at American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge as they endured cancer treatment, and instructed the American Special Hockey Association event with the Hershey Bears.
“O’Brien has had such an exceptional season both on and off the ice,” said Bryan Helmer, VP of Hockey Operations for the Hershey Bears. “He is always eager and willing to participate in community-focused activities and events. We commend how much he enthusiastically gives back to the Hershey community.”
O’Brien is now one of 30 finalists for the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award named after the former Bear who died of leukemia in 1997 after a 16-month battle.
On the ice, O’Brien has 9 goals and 27 assists for Hershey in 57 games. His play even earned him a call-up in early January and he played in the game for the Caps. Hershey currently holds a four-point lead over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers for the final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division.
