Mike O’Brien was one of the very few English trained players to hold down a regular position in British pro hockey in the Canadian dominated 1950s. He learnt his hockey skills at the Brighton Sports Stadium, to total 211 points in the pros.
His pro career began in 1951 with Brighton Tigers with the most productive campaign in 1954/55 yielding 38 goals and 24 assists. Two winters later, he player-coached in Switzerland, first with Fribourg and next year at Grindlewald.
Returning from the Continent in late February 1958, he contributed three goals and five assists as Brighton clinched the BNL title. Next winter Mike potted ten goals, including a trio against Paisley in December, to add an Autumn Cup medal to his collection. His game-winning goal against Paisley in spring 1960 helped his team into the final of the BNL play-off, which Tigers won.
Mike spent the next two years with the near all amateur and multi-cup winning Tigers, amassing 96 goals and 84 assists in ‘Home Tournaments’. He was named to the second ‘All-Star’ team in spring 1962. Next season he coached Yverdon of the Swiss 1st Division. Now nearer the veteran stage he returned to British ice in late March 1966 with Wembley Lions in their challenge match series, and once 12 months later for the homeless Tigers.
Born in Dublin on 10 July 1933 he played initially as a centre-ice, with a right hand shot, although often used as winger in the later1950s at Brighton.
O’Brien scored seven times in his first Pool B World Championship for Britain in 1952 and was also selected the following winter. Eight years passed before GB again entered World play. In Switzerland Mike collected four points to help Britain to a silver medal.
Compiled by Martin C Harris - May 2009
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