Liv keeps ‘role model’ close

Herman Liv has a few personal touches to his goalie mask. For him, that’s a picture of his father, Stefan Liv.

“I have on the side of my helmet, a picture of him,” the 18-year-old said. “He’s in the net. I have four helmets, and he’s been on all four.”

Herman Liv never got to play in front of his father. He was 5 years old when Stefan was one of 44 victims when the plane carrying his Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team in the Kontinental Hockey League crashed shortly after takeoff Sept. 7, 2011.

“He’s a big role model for me,” Herman said. “He always was out competing, always wanted to win, and I try to do that as well.”

Herman only has seen some video of his father, who was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the fourth round (No. 102) of the 2000 NHL Draft, and played professionally for 12 seasons, mostly in Sweden.

But people who knew Stefan said they see a lot of similarities in Herman.

“I’ve heard some guys say that we’re similar of size, or how we go, or how we run,” Herman said. “Some things on the ice as well.”

Not to mention the similar position choice. For Herman, goalie was in his blood.

“I think it’s been all my life,” he said. “I don’t remember … no one said to me that I’m going to be a goalie. It’s just been, like, since I was born, I always have been in the net. Playing out, it’s never been a choice for me.”

Stefan made Sweden’s roster for the Olympics twice (2006, 2010) and the IIHF World Championship six times. But he never played in the World Juniors.

“He’s great … always, spectacular saves, so it’s been fun to have him on the team,” Sweden forward Melvin Fernstrom (Pittsburgh Penguins) said. “And yeah, outside he’s a good guy. Talks to everyone. I think everyone likes him.”

Herman will play for Almtuna in Allsvenskan, Sweden’s second division, after playing Orebro’s team in Sweden’s junior league last season.

“I think it’s going to be a good step for me to go to play senior and to play [more] games and compete,” Herman said. “I think I’ve become stronger, both in the legs and off the ice. That has helped me.”