BY Jonathan Huntington
SASKATOON – The rumblings have already started: Liam Pue could be a first-round NHL draft pick in a few years. But the 15-year-old power forward for the Regina Pat Canadians/Regina Pats won’t see or hear any of that noise on social media – because he doesn’t spend a second scrolling Instagram or any other social media platform.
“I don’t have any social media (accounts) and that helps with the outside noise,” said Pue. In a world dominated by reels, posts, stories and hours of scrolling on phones, Pue’s take is rare and refreshing.
“It’s never really bothered me,” continued Pue, who still keeps in constant contact with his teammates through group texts, etc. “I just go year-by-year and focus on the things I can control.”
This year has been outstanding – so far. Pue’s first few months of the season have been nothing short of stellar while sharing his time between the SMAAAHL and the WHL:
- Averaging nearly 3 points per game for the Regina Pat Canadians (28 points in 10 games)
- In 11 games in his WHL as a 15-year-old, he has one goal and two assists, with an even for plus/minus
- And at the U17 World Challenge while playing for Team Canada, he scored the OT winner against the United States in the semi-final
The U17 World Challenge is the first major talent identification tournament for Hockey Canada – and Pue’s stock took a big jump as he finished seventh in tournament scoring (fourth within Team Canada) with eight points in five games.
“It was unreal,” said Pue. “You get to meet new teammates and score goals you will always remember.”
The Langley, B.C. native is now with the Pats on their United States road trip where some scouts will get their first in-person look at the six-foot forward. Pue is only allowed to play just over 30 games in the WHL this year as a 15-year-old, which means he will return from the US road trip with almost half of that total in the rear-view mirror.
And while hockey dominates most of the conversation, Pue is also trying an accelerated school schedule this year. “Right now I am doing Grade 10 until December and then next semester I will switch to Grade 11 (classes),” he remarked.
Talented on the ice. A hard worker in school. And mature off the ice. It’s no surprise to see Pue’s stock on the rise.
