Liam Hickey: two different viewpoints on sport

TORONTO – Liam Hickey is best known for being one of the top Para ice hockey players in the world, but his contribution to sport goes way beyond scoring goals and leading Canada in international play.

Off the ice, the 27-year-old is the sport development specialist for Sport Newfoundland and Labrador where one of his key duties is to grow opportunities for adaptive athletes in his home province.

‘’It’s a different perspective being on the administrative side,’’ said Hickey at the Hockey Canada Media Day in Calgary this past August. ‘’At this point in my career it’s special to be able to give back.

‘’I want to leave sport better than it was when I came into it.’’

Born without a femur in his right leg, Hickey has already competed at three Paralympic Games. He made his debut at the 2016 Rio Games in wheelchair basketball before he decided to make a full commitment to the ice. He helped Canada to silver medals at both the 2018 and 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

At the 2018 Games, he was fourth in scoring with six goals and five assists in five games. He also netted six points in three Games at Beijing 2022. He has helped Canada to two world titles in 2017 and 2024. At the 2024 worlds, Hickey was fourth in scoring with 17 points in four games.

More than the stats, Hickey has developed as one of the key leaders on the team, especially with the younger players. He attributes that role to the mentorship he received earlier in his career.

‘’I’ve been lucky to have great mentors,’’ Hickey said. ‘’They showed me not only to perform, but how to carry myself. When people start to see you as a leader it’s not something you take lightly.

“You can impact others in ways that go far beyond the game.’’

One of those who have benefited from Hickey’s words of wisdom is fellow Newfoundlander and Paradise resident, Gavin Baggs. The 18-year-old Baggs made headlines this past summer when he won multiple medals at the Canada Games held in St. John’s. Baggs though is committed primarily to Para ice hockey.

‘’He’s been with me since the start of my journey,’’ said Baggs. “I always looked up to him as an athlete and mentor. He’s modest and won’t like that I praised him, but he is one of the main reasons I’m competing in sports.

‘’I started training with him in wheelchair basketball. I had played Para hockey a bit before but he helped me reach a level I never dreamed of.’’

Although he has a quieter demeanor than some of his teammates, Hickey has never stopped expanding his horizons, connecting with people, learning, and travelling the world through sport.

‘’I’ve learned that sport is more than about performance,’’ he said. ‘’It’s about how you carry yourself, how you treat people, and what you leave behind.’’

The one big prize he’s chasing: a Paralympic Games gold medal.

‘’I want to finish my career knowing I gave it everything. On and off the ice.’’