Under the radar would be a good description for Liam.
No, not Liam Kirk, but Liam Steele.
Despite being accepted to Stanstead College in Quebec and then committing to historic NCAA outfit Cornell University for 2022-23, Liam Steele is simply not spoken about in hockey circles in the UK or elsewhere.
The right-handed blue-liner is now 17 years of age and is playing a first full season for Stanstead after the last campaign was cancelled during the pandemic.
He was named Captain before the season began.
This speaks volumes to Steele’s work ethic, character and high esteem he is held in by his coaches and peers.
At the time of writing, Steele has three points in seven games, which includes his first goal scored in the most recent outing.
The NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary players to watch list was released on Tuesday.
The list is a compilation of top prospects from all the major development leagues throughout North America and Europe.
It is a fluid list that will update throughout the 2021-22 season as scouts continually evaluate players.
Players are ranked from A-C, and much of the hype is focused on Kingston Frontenacs Captain and future NHL star, Shane Wright.
Also on that list? Liam Steele.
The former Guildford Firekings junior is listed as a ‘C’ prospect and that rating is for potential fourth-, fifth- or sixth-round selections.
Stanstead Head Coach Matthew Thompson was delighted to see his young starlet given the recognition.
It is slightly bewildering how the UK hockey scene isn’t excited about a young Brit, albeit a dual national, who is ranked so highly on the NHL Central Scouting list.
Let’s not forget that the Chicago Steel also saw fit to select him in the most recent USHL draft despite his commitment to the NCAA.
Liam Steele is the real deal and is a player that fans both sides of the ocean should be keeping a keen eye on.
NHL scouts are doing just that.
For more on Liam Steele please check my previous articles.
Great Britain defenseman commits to historic NCAA college
Big deal for Liam Steele – Now NHL draft-eligible
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UK Hockey Blog 
[…] UK ice hockey writer Mark Rackham, who has followed his career closely, said: “Liam was named captain of Stanstead before the season began. […]