Liam Kirk: NHL bound?

Fourteen years on from the the UK’s first NHL draftee, Tony Hand – he was drafted by Edmonton Oilers 252^nd overall – Colin shields became the second when he was drafted by Philadelphia Flyers, 195^th overall.

Now we have a potential newcomer from Sheffield Steelers in Liam Kirk: he became eligible for draft status this year  and already three different NHL scouts have shown an interest, the latest just last week from Buffalo Sabres.

Kirk has only just joined the EIHL league in the Uk. Last year he was on a two-way deal with the Sheffield Steeldogs and the Sheffield Steelers. This year however he was given a firm contract for full time employment with the Elite league club.

Last season, at the age of sixteen years and nine months he scored his first goal for Sheffield Steelers, he has now scored a further eight.

I caught up with Liam and posed a few questions, here are his answers:

1.RN: You must know of the attention you are drawing from NHL sources, how does that make you feel?

LK: It’s exciting, but I just want to keep improving every day. It’s also crazy being a kid from Britain and having scouts coming to watch me but I’m just taking it all in my stride.

2. RN: If you had a preference of all the NHL sides who would you plump for?

  LK: I don’t know, probably Edmonton Oilers or Toronto Maple Leafs.

3. RN: How old were you when you first started playing hockey properly ie for a team?

  LK: I believe I started playing first for the under 10’s in Sheffield.

4. RN: Did you watch Steelers as a youngster or another team, if so any special memories?

  LK: Yes, my parents used to take me to watch Sheffield Steelers when I was younger. I just remember the blackout and the entrance: I used to love it.

5. RN: Is there anyone special who has had a big influence on your career?

LK: My brother, (Jonathan Kirk-Sheffield Senators) he is the reason I started to play ice hockey.

6. RN: Which team do you most enjoy playing against?

  LK: Nottingham Panthers, the rivalry between the two sides makes it the most enjoyable

7. RN: Which rink do you most enjoy playing in aside from Sheffield?

  LK: Nottingham Panthers’ NIC arena.

8.RN: Who has given you most inspiration as a player?

  LK: I’m not sure as yet

9.RN: If you had to name a player you modelled yourself on who would it be?

  LK: Mitch Marner. (a young Centre who was a no 1 draft pick for Toronto and played last year in the World Championships for Canada)

10.RN: And lastly your favourite player is?

  LK: Connor McDavid. ( first round draft pick for Edmonton a centre in the NHL)

 

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