Former Sheffield Steelers star Liam Kirk remains focussed on his primary NHL goal

Like hockey players the world over - with the exception of the NHL which resumed action with its 2019-20 playoffs at the weekend - it is very much a waiting game for the 20-year-old from Maltby in terms of finding out where and how his career will resume across the other side of the Atlantic next time around.

It is now two years since the former Sheffield Steelers’ forward made history by becoming the first English-trained player to be drafted into the world’s top league, the Arizona Coyotes taking a punt on him as a seventh round draft pick.

Soon after, he was picked eighth overall in the Canadian Hockey League’s import draft by the Peterborough Petes, which saw him go under the wing of former Steelers’ defenceman and Newcastle Vipers coach Rob Wilson.

His first season in North America brought many challenges, not least the adjustment of living abroad for the first time while also getting up to speed in terms of the style and pace of hockey played in the Ontario Hockey League, one of three divisions in the CHL - considered the best junior hockey league in the world.

The longer the season went on, the more comfortable Kirk became in his surroundings both on and off the ice, something reflected in his final points production of 26 goals and 22 assists in a total of 68 games in a season which saw Wilson’s team exit the playoffs in the first round.

Much was expected of the Petes the following season and they didn’t disappoint, some key roster additions lifting them to second in the regular season standings to leave them well-fancied for a deep playoff run.

READ - Ambitious Liam Kirk back on familiar ice to continue bid of realising NHL dream

But the potential for post-season success was denied when, like hockey the world over, the season was curtailed in early March because of Covid-19.

Within days Kirk found himself on a plane back home where he has remained ever since.

It has meant he has been able to spend more time with the family and friends he is away from for most of the year, but having not skated in around four months since his return - ice rinks in the UK are still not allowed to open because of lockdown restrictions - the frustration he and all other hockey players outside the NHL feel is understandable.

Towards the end of his first season in Peterborough, Kirk’s growing maturity and influence was recognised when Wilson made him an alternate captain for the following campaign.

He showed his willingness to embrace the new responsibilities on the ice by getting off to a flying start, posting nine goals and nine assists in his first 15 games.

But, unlike any other season before in his admittedly short career, injury and illness hampered Kirk’s progress thereafter, although he still proved more prolific than the previous year, eventually finishing with 50 points, including 21 goals, in just 50 games.

A broken finger, a shoulder injury, and a fractured elbow after the turn of the year, as well as a bout of illness shortly after his return to Yorkshire for a short Christmas break, all befell Kirk.

But, regardless of his misfortune, Kirk is quick to put things into perspective considering the ongoing health crisis still engulfing the world and is preparing himself for another chance to prove he is worth a shot higher up the ladder whenever he does get the green light to return across the pond.

“I would have hoped for a better outcome to the season, if I was honest, but it’s not all about the end goal, it’s about the journey and one that I’ve got to embrace,” said Kirk.

“So there have been obstacles and I’m sure there will be a lot more to come, but it’s a challenge I intend to embrace and do my best. I’ve still got that belief, I’ve still got that passion, so while that is still there, anything is possible.”

Once he does return to North America, Kirk’s primary aim is to impress at the Coyotes pre-season camp and earn himself a contract to play in the AHL with Tucson Roadrunners, Arizona’s second-tier affiliate.

If that fails to materialise, Kirk is likely to find himself back in Peterborough with the Petes having retained his rights as an over-age import player for the 2020-21 season.

“It was just unfortunate that I got off to such a good start last season and, even though the injuries set me back, I started to get back on track again - but that is just the way it goes,” added Kirk.

“I just want to play as early as I possibly can but the problem is, at all levels, nobody really knows when next season is going to start. My main focus is to sign a contract at camp and go and play in the AHL in Tucson.

“My back-up plan would be to go back as an over-age player with the Petes and play another year in the OHL. They have said that they will welcome me back and it would be an enjoyable place to go and play again.

“If I was to go back there next year, I wouldn’t be walking into anything new, it’s a dressing room that I would be a leader in and with coaches for who I have a lot of respect for.

“I was disappointed when I went to Arizona’s main camp last year, I felt I really let myself down with how I played and I then had a lot to prove both to them and myself.

“But, now, it is just about making sure I stay in shape and be ready for whenever I can play again. It is all essentially a waiting game.”

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