Liam Blackburn (Prince George, British Columbia) made an impact on the ice as a member of the men's hockey team and in the classroom as a Genetics major. He is grateful for his time as a Wildcat, and for the many memories and friendships he's made along the way. The hockey program has shaped him into the man he is today and he will continue to bring the lessons he has learned with him throughout his life. A SECOND HOME IN NEW HAMPSHIRE Liam Blackburn
It was important to Liam to find a school where he felt at home as well as a team that felt like family, and the University of New Hampshire gave him both.
"I chose UNH because I loved the campus the first time I saw it and knew right away that I could call it my home for the next four years. I had a good connection with the coaching staff that brought me to UNH and that gave me confidence that I was making the right choice in calling UNH my home."
When visiting the school and considering being a member of the team, many things about UNH's athletic program stood out to Blackburn.
"The program's history for the men's ice hockey team has had so much success that anyone who would want to become a better player would be drawn into a program of historic success. The Whittemore Center was an unbelievable place to play at and the fans and support that's given to this program never stops."
After spending four years as a member of the UNH men's hockey team, Blackburn's initial thoughts about the program still hold true. It was the close-knit community that UNH athletics has that stood out to Blackburn.
"What stood out to me the most is how close all the athletic teams are to each other and how caring all the faculty was for every student-athlete at UNH. Any given person that was a part of UNH athletics would always make time to stop and talk to you and check in on how you were doing all the time." SPECIAL MOMENTS Liam and his teammates at the North Coast of Northern Ireland in 2019
Being a member of the men's hockey team was special to Liam. Not only did the team have a bond on the ice, but off the ice and in the classroom as well.
"Being a part of the hockey team was so special because of the group that we had, we considered everyone on the team family and we were all brothers."
The team made many memories together and shared experiences they won't forget. One of Liam's favorite memories with the team was going to Ireland and Northern Ireland to play in the Friendship Four in Belfast. Liam with UNH Hall of Famer Ralph Cox after the Wildcats defeated Princeton at the Friendship Four.
"The trip really gave everyone a lifetime of memories and stories to share forever." Liam playing at Madison Square Garden versus Cornell as a freshman on Nov. 26, 2016.
He also had the opportunity to play at Fenway Park his freshman year which is something he will never forget. Liam with 2018 graduate Cameron Marks at Frozen Fenway in 2017 BALANCING BEING A STUDENT-ATHLETE
It can be tough to keep up with being a full-time student and an athlete, but the Genetics major was able to find that balance.
"I balanced being a student-athlete by prioritizing a lot. I would set up Sundays our weekly off day to sit down and do all my homework for the week and that would allow me to focus on just hockey for practices and for games. Keeping up to date in all academics was very important because if you were worrying about an assignment during a game you already lost an edge over your competitor." Joe Lazzaro, Patrick Grasso, Joe Sacco, Anthony Wyse, Justin Fregona, Liam Blackburn, Matt Dawson
Being a student-athlete for the majority of his life, Blackburn not only learned how to balance everything, but he also learned many lessons along the way. Being a student-athlete taught Liam social skills as well as leadership skills.
"I think that when you are a student-athlete you bring that leadership and those social skills into the classroom with you."
Lessons learned through hockey translated into skills used in the classroom. AFTER UNH Liam with his grandfather George and his dad Curtis on Senior Night
Liam's plans after graduation are to continue playing hockey as well as get his Masters in Genetics. He is going to miss UNH and everything it has given him during his four years as a Wildcat.
"I'm going to miss all the friendships I have made over the years and being able to walk on campus and see friends and teammates."
Although it is tough to say good-bye to UNH and the people he has met, he loved spending his four years with such amazing people and building strong relationships with them.
"I would like to wish my fellow graduating teammates the best of luck in whatever path they take after graduation." Liam Blackburn Please check back to UNHWildcats.com as we continue our Senior Reflections series.
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