Whether it’s through his high-energy game, fan-friendly interactions, growing the sport or making an impact in the community – Liam O’Brien, aka Spicy Tuna, has all the angles covered.
In April of 2024, O’Brien and his Utah Mammoth teammates introduced themselves to fans gathered at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, giving supporters an early taste of what to expect ahead of the team’s inaugural 2024–25 NHL season.
When it was his turn to address the crowd, O’Brien asked fans to refer to him as Spicy Tuna – they were happy to oblige.
“That was an awesome moment,” the 31-year-old forward told NHLPA.com. “I wasn’t planning anything, but I went up there and wanted to provide a little jolt, I suppose. I also wanted to get people excited about hockey, to get more kids involved in playing the sport.”
The nickname is a play on his nickname, Big Tuna, bestowed upon him by defenceman Nate Schmidt when the two played together with the Washington Capitals (they are now reunited as teammates in Utah). The moniker is a reference to Jim Halpert’s nickname for Andy Bernard in the hit television sitcom, The Office.
O’Brien, whose social media handle is @Official_Big_Tuna, gratefully and graciously embraced it all.
Wherever he has played – he has also suited up with Washington, Colorado and Arizona – the Halifax-born forward has championed getting more kids playing hockey.
It has become a big part of his life in Salt Lake City.
“Growing hockey in Utah is a priority for me,” said O’Brien, who went undrafted but signed a three-year deal with the Capitals in 2014. “I believe it is somewhere where it belongs. It’s an expensive sport, so I want to make sure kids get an opportunity to try it.”
When he’s not promoting hockey at the grassroots level, the forward – who signed a three-year contract extension with the Mammoth in June of 2024 – continues to lean into his energetic, physical style as the Central Division club pursues its first playoff appearance since relocating to the Beehive State.
“We’ve got such a humble group of stars,” said O’Brien. “They’re great players but also great people, and that’s important. I think it’s going to benefit our team a lot moving forward. We want to give the fans something to cheer about. It’s great to look in the stands and see so many people wearing Mammoth gear.”
O’Brien also aims to make a fashion statement of his own.
When the opportunity to launch a new merchandise collection came along, O’Brien, who recently played in his 250th NHL game, was all in.
Teaming up with Signature Athletics, he launched Spicy Tuna Sporting Co. in October, a merchandise collaboration inspired by his nickname. The logo for the sushi-inspired line includes hockey pucks reimagined as spicy tuna rolls, with hockey sticks serving as chopsticks.
“It’s pretty cool,” said O’Brien. “It’s been a lot of fun to do something like this.”
A charitable component is also woven into the initiative.
Ten percent of all proceeds are donated to support youth hockey programs, aligning with Signature Athletics’ mission to ensure no kids are left behind in sport by expanding access and opportunity for young athletes.
“I always wanted to do something that would give back to the community in some ways,” said O’Brien. “I felt it was time, and we had a friend of ours who works for Signature Athletics, who we’ve teamed up with on this project, and we were able to bring it to life.”
Signature Athletics is equally enthusiastic about the partnership.
“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Liam on Spicy Tuna Sporting Co.,” said Kylee Renouf, director of marketing at Signature Athletics and president of the Signature Foundation. “… it was important to us that this merch line not only celebrates a fan favourite but also helps more kids get in the game.”
As for which teammate he’d most like to see model the Spicy Tuna line, O’Brien doesn’t hesitate.
“The best model would be Kailer [Yamamoto]. I’m not sure if you saw the poll, but he was ranked in the top 25 best-looking guys in the NHL.”
While Liam didn’t make the cut, O’Brien is happy to keep the legend of Spicy Tuna rolling along in Utah.
“We have great fans here and I hope we can see more kids playing the sport. Anything I can do to help grow the game, I’m all for it.”
Feature photo courtesy of Getty Images