Sophomore Liam Finlay finished with a flourish last season, playing on a line with classmates Henrik Borgstrom and Tyson McLellan on Denver’s march to its eighth NCAA title.

The slick playmaker put up 20 points as a freshman and often has found himself riding shotgun with Borgstrom this season.

What you may not know is he’s also one of the Pioneers’ most accomplished cooks and a fan of indoor stick handling drills. Read on to learn more about this good-natured Pioneer.

We have to start with my go-to question: What is the breakfast of champions?

I’d have to say eggs bennie. I get the pre-made hollandaise sauce, put it on the stove, two eggs, two pieces of bread, maybe some cheese.

Do your roommates want to take it from you?

Of course they do. I might make some for one of them if they’re lucky. … If they’ve been good to me throughout the week.

What’s something notable about your hometown (of Kelowna, British Columbia) that any visitor should see?

I’d say the wineries or the lake. We have three lakes in and around the valley. I’d recommend going there. And kind of like California, we have all the wineries in the summer. It’s really nice.

What is the best piece of advice of advice you’ve received in hockey?

Don’t try to play to anyone else’s expectations. Play your game. People are always going to try to get you away from your own creativity, sometimes that’s what makes you your best player. You have to be really creative and love the game.

Your game involves having the puck on your stick. How did you develop your stickhandling moves?

I was always influenced by stickhandling guys, I know (assistant coach) Tavis MacMillan won’t like that. He’s not a fan of my stickhandling. I’d always watch guys growing up like Patrick Kane and (Johnny) Gaudreau lately. I’d be fascinated by all the moves, so I’d go to my garage and I had one of those big plastic sheets. I’d stickhandle for hours, try different moves, different patterns. I’d always spend extra time on it when I should have probably spent it on my shot.

Are you particular about any of your gear?

I go right to left when I put on my gear. Right shin pad, left and then right skate. It’s kind of weird.

Did you have a favorite player growing up?

Definitely Patrick Kane. He’s a fan favorite for our generation. (Pavel) Datsyuk was really cool to watch, he’s so talented. Those two I’d watch the most.

Do you have a favorite road trip?

I’d say North Dakota just because of the atmosphere in the rink. It’s so much fun going in there. It’s such a big rivalry, it gives you extra juice to play.

What are you thankful for?

My family, for all they’ve done for me to get me where I am today. I’m thankful for being where I am right now. I love this program and where I’m at in this city. I love all the people around me – coaches, teammates and friends.

Is there anything in particular about Denver, beyond the hockey here, that you’ve enjoyed?

I’m from Canada so there’s mountains and all that stuff. I like the bigger city lifestyle. Kelowna’s not a small town, but the downtown, the bigger buildings, that kind of stuff is a little more enjoyable for me.

Who is the team comedian?

I’d have to go with Rudy Junda or Henrik Borgstrom. Borgstrom lives with me so I get accustomed to his jokes sometimes. I roomed with Rudy last year and the guy comes up with things I don’t know if anyone thinks about. He’s hilarious.

He’s a media favorite for sure.

He’s almost too good at it. If hockey doesn’t work out he should pursue a career with ESPN or TSN.

Last question, if Monty was a super hero, which one would he be?

I’d say the Hulk. He can get pretty fired up. You don’t expect it sometimes, but he can get super passionate and fired up. He gets everyone going.

He doesn’t destroy stuff or bend cars in half, does he?

No, none of that. Are you trying to get me in trouble?

Of course not!

Copyright First Line Editorial 2017

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