Hershey Bears

A Fond Farewell to Liam O’Brien

(Photos by Caps Outsider)

With red hair, fists of fury, and a name picked out of an Irish name-generator, Liam O’Brien was always a player in the Washington Capitals system that seemed to deserve a spot on the team’s fourth line but rarely cracked the lineup, even in his occasional promotions from the AHL.

While he did famously make the team before he was expected to, getting in a fight in his first game, scoring his first NHL goal along the way and winning fans over with his Movember antics, ‘Big Tuna’ instead became a staple in Hershey, playing in 370 games, scoring 137 points, and collecting 638 penalty minutes.

He was loved in Chocolatetown, just like other players who spent a good portion of their career with the team despite dreams of a regular spot in the NHL. On Friday, O’Brien signed with the Colorado Eagles.

O’Brien was always a fun interview when he was in Washington and a delight to watch in Hershey. Though he didn’t get to play too much in the NHL, not all Caps prospects even become a beloved player in the minor leagues, and Bears fans will miss him.  Best of luck, Liam!

Liam O’Brien and the Caps. (Caps Outsider)
Liam O’Brien
Liam O’Brien

Liam O’Brien
Liam O’Brien. (Caps Outsider)
liam o’brien (Caps Outsider)
Liam O’Brien. (Caps Outsider)

Ben Sumner

Ben Sumner is the editor of Capitals Outsider. He also works for The Washington Post and contributes there when he gets a scoop.

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