Interview with SHS Hockey Junior Liam Hatton

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The Panthers played in the Blue Jackets Cup against Olentangy on Friday night. Goals were scored by Danny Murrow and A.J. DeRosa, but with several skaters injured and the bench running short, the Panthers were defeated. On the bright side, this gave them a little bit of extra rest before the OHSAA District Tournament this weekend. The Panthers will be on the road to the Ice Haus at Nationwide Arena to face off against Bishop Watterson at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. This week, I talked to Junior Liam Hatton to get the inside scoop on playing for the Panthers. 


Meet #3 Liam Hatton… 


Hockey story:

Liam started playing hockey when he was eight years old, and he has been playing ever since. He wanted to give hockey a try because he liked its fast pace and intensity. Liam lived in California, where he played for a team called the Titans. Fun fact about this team: they were funded by the L.A. Kings!


Gameday routines:

All of the Panthers hold their own unique game day rituals. Some shotgun Red Bulls, some put on the left side of their gear first, and some listen to classical music. Liam did not disappoint as he added another game day routine to the list. He focuses on his mind and body when getting ready for a game. His routine starts in the morning with breakfast and a protein shake. Then he has lunch and at least six eggs. Finally, he works on mentally preparing and focusing on what's ahead. 


Difficulties about being a defenseman:

Every position in every sport has its unique challenges. If you’ve ever seen the Panthers on the ice, you’ve seen Liam work as a defenseman. He said that one of the hardest things about playing defense is trying to predict what the opposing forwards are going to do each play. Liam also said playing defense can be difficult because there are less scoring opportunities, yet more blame is placed on the defensemen when the opposing team scores.


Professional hockey player that Liam looks up to:

Liam said that the NHL player he looks up to the most is Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers. Liam noted that McDavid is an all-around great athlete and a representation of “just domination of the sport.”


Hockey’s impact off the ice:

Hockey has impacted Liam’s life off the ice because of what it has taught him and given him—discipline, putting things in perspective, and overcoming obstacles. He said hockey has also taught him that “humans can get over a lot more than they think they could [sic]...
with certain obstacles.” The sport has also physically pushed him and given him a higher tolerance of pain. 


What Liam is looking forward to most next season:

Next season will be Liam’s fourth and final season as a Panther. Thinking of their senior seasons can be bittersweet for many athletes, but sticking with the sweet side, I asked Liam what he is looking forward to most this upcoming season. He is excited about having another season with the Boro Brotherhood: “I’m just looking forward to playing with the guys... we got a good group of guys... just making jokes and not giving up.” 


What game Liam is most proud of:

Liam is most proud of the team and how they all played together in their game against Bishop Watterson back in the first weekend of February. This was a tough loss for the Panthers and they were down three players due to injury. But Liam is proud of how “no one gave up, and everyone still tried really hard.” Liam and the Panthers will face Watterson once more in the first round of the state tournament this weekend.


Liam’s advice for young hockey players:

Liam’s advice for young hockey players is short and sweet: he wants young players to always have fun playing the great game of hockey and to keep going no matter what.


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