Watching Liam McLinskey Play
First thing I did was pull up tons of game footage on my laptop. Sat there munching popcorn while studying how Liam moves during power plays. Noticed two big things right away – dude’s always floating to open ice like a ghost, and his stick handling looks effortless but sharp when defenders come close.
Trying His Signature Moves
Next day at practice, I forced myself to copy his puck control style exactly. Skated circles around cones pretending they were defenders:
- Started keeping my blades glued to the ice during tight turns
- Practiced quick snap passes instead of wind-up shots
- Worked on one-handed stick lifts during board battles
Total mess at first. Lost the puck 9 times outta 10. Felt like Bambi on frozen pond.
Breaking Down His Strategy
After skating, I scribbled notes in my beat-up notebook about his positioning. Realized Liam plays super patient until he spots gaps. Started practicing delayed attacks at open skate sessions – would hold the puck near blue line for 3 extra seconds instead of rushing.
Putting It Together in Scrimmage
Sunday game time was the real test. Tried implementing Liam’s two main tricks:
- Silent drifting between opponents instead of direct routes
- Low-risk passing to wings before entering danger zones
Scored a garbage goal from doorstep by parking near crease exactly like Liam does. Teammates yelled “Since when you play smart hockey?” Got absolutely smoked next shift though when I tried his fancy between-the-legs dangle.
What Stuck With Me
Truth? Can’t magically become Liam. But stealing his patience and positioning clicked. Now I stop chasing puck like headless chicken. His game’s not flashy tricks – it’s about quietly being dangerous at right moments. Still working on the puck control part though. Maybe next season.
