With all of the support Pro Hockey News receives from the United Kingdom, it is hard to overlook the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and not recognize Liam Kirk drafted 189th by the Phoenix Coyotes.
Liam Kirk (14) in match against Edinburgh Capitals in EIHL, March 2018 Photo courtesy of Sam.Scott@prohockeynews.com
Kirk has iced for the Sheffield Steelers of the Elite Ice Hockey League in UK and is the fist English born and trained skater to be drafted by the NHL. Two Scottish players were drafted prior but never iced in an NHL game.
Kirk’s head coach in Sheffield was understandably proud of the selection.
Paul Thompson said on the Steelers’ web site “Liam must be thrilled and rightly so. All the hard work he has put in not just over the last couple of years for since he started playing has paid off.
“His family are good people and the effort they have put in can’t be underestimated, how proud must they be feeling tonight.
“Tip you hat to the academy as well, all those coaches who helped him at the start, those parents and helpers who do so much to make the junior programmes work, they all played a part.
“In the last few years since we became involved his has developed, matured and perhaps learnt more about the game, especially away from the puck. Everyone who knows Liam is tonight smiling and happy for him, what a fantastic achievement”
In his second season with the Steelers, Kirk picked up nine goals and 16 points through 52 games.
Liam Kirk in match with Cardiff Devils – Photo courtesy of Michael.Johnson@prohockeynews.com
“I’ve been working out since I got back from the combine and have been trying to find ice, but not much has been available,” Kirk said on NHL.com. “It sounds like camp will start next week so I’ll be getting there as soon as possible. It’ll be my first time on the ice in a while when I get there.”
Kirk has been part of a great season of hockey in UK. Team GB was promoted to Division 1 of the IIHF after securing the championship in Group 2.
“My mom and dad got tears in their eyes (after I was drafted), and I owe a lot to them for driving me back and forth to hockey games and training sessions,” Kirk said on NHL.com. “I owe them a lot.”
Kirk, 18, has had a successful international career with Team GB where he has played for Great Britain at the 2016 IIHF World Under-18 Championship Division 2, Group A at 16, played in the 2017 World Junior Championship Division 1 Group B tournament at 17.
This past season Kerk (@kirky_1424 ) helped Great Britain to a gold medal at the 2018 World U18s Division 2, Group A, and a bronze medal at the World Junior Championship Division 2, Group A with a tournament-best 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) at age 18.
Below images courtesy of Michael Johnson
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