Kirk a real trail blazer on his road to the NHL
New Petes import the first native of England to be drafted in the NHL
The newest Peterborough Pete, Liam Kirk, is blazing trails as the first born and raised native of England drafted to the NHL.
But the 18-year-old, the Petes first-round, ninth overall, selection in Thursday’s CHL Import Draft doesn’t think of himself as a pioneer. The Arizona Coyotes drafted him in the seventh round of Saturday’s NHL Entry Draft.
“I don’t know if I’d say that,” said Kirk, with a chuckle, from Arizona where he’s participating in the Coyotes development camp.
“I’ve just always been dedicated and wanting to play in the NHL. This is the first step. Hopefully some kids realize you can do it and start to have the same dreams.”
He is the third British player drafted. Scottish natives Tony Hand (1985 to Edmonton) and Colin Shields (2000 to Philadelphia) were drafted but never played In the NHL.
Being the first from England is a source of pride for Kirk. The five-foot-11, 180-pound forward who has played the past two years against men for the Sheffield Steelers of the English Ice Hockey League.
“It’s a massive achievement, obviously, just getting drafted to the NHL. It’s an achievement in itself and a dream come true,” he said.
“To do it from somewhere which is not necessarily known as a hockey country is a special feeling. I hope it puts England on the map as a hockey country and people start to recognize it more. Hopefully, I’m not the only one who ever does it.”
Kirk admits he knows little about the Petes.
“I’m sure when I get some free time I’m going to research. My agent messaged me saying it looked like they were going to take me, 100 per cent, so I had an idea but I was on the ice when it happened.”
Coyotes assistant director of amateur scouting and former Petes GM Jeff Twohey filled Kirk in about Peterborough.
“I’m excited to get picked by a team that looks to be as great as Peterborough and the town looks really nice. I’m looking forward to it,” Kirk said.
He was hoping to jump to North America.
“I had a great two years in Sheffield. That’s where I am from and where my family lives but we’re all in agreement it’s time to move to North America and get more exposure and get used to the size of the ice and the speed of the game. The CHL provided that option.”
Petes coach Rob Wilson played and coached in Sheffield. The two had never spoken until Thursday.
“He seemed like a really nice guy,” Kirk said.
“He spoke to me with some good words. My old coach Paul Thompson knows him and everyone has good things to say about him. I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Kirk’s parents took his older brother Jonathan, now 23, to a Steelers game as a child and he soon started to play hockey.
“I just copied him and wanted to be like him,” said Liam. “He’s a big influence on why I play hockey.”
Kirk was invited to play for Britain’s men’s team at this year’s IIHF Division I World Championships. England won gold and gained promotion to the top level, against Canada and other major powers, for 2019. Kirk played a regular shift alongside men.
“Getting to represent your country is always an honour but especially at the highest level,” Kirk said.
“It was an amazing feeling to play and help the team in any way I can. We were underdogs but we believed if we dream anything can happen. It goes to show if you have that believe and dedication and work ethic anything can happen.
“I’m sure everyone is really looking forward to seeing how we perform against Canada and the USA.”