The glass is always half full with Denver forward Liam Finlay.

Through win streaks and slumps, from a national title to NCAA near misses, the senior remains the same upbeat guy. It’s a characteristic that has endeared him to his teammates, coaches and DU fans.

“Liam’s a super funny, super nice guy,” Pioneers assistant coach Tavis MacMillan said. “You won’t meet a friendlier guy.”

Finlay’s demeanor and outlook have played a big role in the successes he’s experienced in hockey. The reason is simple, he said.

“It’s a natural love for the game,” Finlay said. “I’ve always had it, even as a kid. I just loved skating around and playing at any time of the day, whether it was road hockey or whatever.”

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Point producer

Finlay has 91 career points and a chance to join the Pioneers’ century club, particularly if he gets on a hot streak, which he’s been known to do a time or two during his DU career.

Given an increased role as a junior, he had a breakout season with a team-high 36 points and a career-high 16 goals. The goal-scoring can be attributed to a couple of factors. One, his shooting accuracy was elite. He buried 18.2 percent of his shots on goal in 2018-19.

This season, he’s at 20 points in 30 games, but he’s connected on a career-low 5.8 percent of his shots.

“He’s always working on his shot,” MacMillan said. “It’s a shame it hasn’t translated this year.”

Second, whether the scoresheet reflects it or not, he’s an important piece of the Pioneers’ offense.

“He can be a (catalyst),” coach David Carle said. “When he’s attacking inside the dots he’s a guy who can put guys on their heels because he’s so agile and so quick at changing directions. He can provide a lot of different things than other guys on our team can.”

MacMillan cited Finlay’s first career hat trick, in February 2017 against St. Cloud State, as an example of when he’s most effective.

“We added up the distance from the net of the three goals,” MacMillan said. “It was about 9 feet total. The key for him is timing and getting near the net, getting to those tougher areas.

“Right now that’s a challenge for everyone, we have to get to the tough areas to score.”

Indeed, the Pioneers have been held to one goal in each of their past three games, all losses.

Versatility and durability

Finlay’s skill translates well  to just about any part of DU’s lineup. He’s rounded out his defensive game over time to the point he can kill penalties if needed. In other words, he’s a plug-and-play Pioneer.

There is no secret to it for British Columbia native.

“It’s just playing the same way every time,” Finlay said. “I know who I am as a player. I’m pretty sure they know who I am by now. Wherever I go I just do the same thing.”

What he does, said center Brett Stapley, a sometime linemate of Finlay’s, is fairly straight forward.

“He likes to hang onto the puck and look for a play when he enters the offensive zone,” the sophomore said. “He can play with anyone because he’s a good distributor of the puck. So that makes a lot of sense why you’d want him on any line.”

Finlay also has been remarkably durable during his career, particularly given he’s 5-foot-7, weighs all of 163 pounds and thrives playing with the puck on his stick.

“Knock on wood. It’s one of those things,” he said. “You just try to treat your body the right way. When it comes to games you can’t shy away from anything.”

Because he’s so elusive, there’s also an element of you can’t hit what you can’t catch.

“He’s got to use his feet, his agility and his brain,” MacMillan said, adding, “Liam’s always had the challenge of getting stronger. As he’s done that, he’s maximizing the talents he’s been given.”

The good humor man

As we’ve already established, Finlay clearly loves playing hockey. Just as much, he loves to spread good cheer among his teammates.

And there’s a method to his mirth.

“If you can tell someone’s a little tight or thinking too much, you just go up to them and get em going a bit,” he said. “Get in their head. Try to make them laugh somehow.

“You have to realize it is a game. As a whole focus is great, but if you’re having fun you’re probably playing better, at least that’s what I’ve found with myself. I’ve seen that with other guys as well. It’s a mindset I try to keep.”

On-ice talent meets an ice-breaking knack.

“When things are tense, a really good-natured, funny guy like that is good to have,” Stapley said. “It’s just the way he delivers it. He’s got good timing.”

And Finlay spares no one, himself included.

“Not only does he have a quick wit, but he’s not afraid to make fun of himself,” MacMillan added. “He’s very aware and has a good feel for people.”

The Pioneers’ people have made all the difference for the senior, he said.

“(It’s amazing) how intertwined we are,” Finlay said. “It’s cliché to say we’re close, but we really are. The staff does a great job being close with us as well.

“I think that’s something I’ll take away – how much everyone respects DU as a whole, the alumni, the fans.

“As you get older you appreciate the game even more. You realize how lucky you are to play the game at such a high level. I remind myself of that every day.”

©First Line Editorial 2020