Great Britain forward Liam Kirk says he’s ‘enjoying the moment’ as he and the team prepare to sign off from the World Championships.
GB take on Switzerland on Tuesday morning (10.15am UK time) to complete their 2021 campaign after putting on some impressive displays in Latvia.
And Kirk, who is the joint top goalscorer in the competition with five goals with two other players, insists he didn’t expect to be where he after doing well in front of the net.
“I wanted to come and make an impact and be part of a team making an impact for Great Britain,” he said.
“I definitely did not expect to be top of the goalscoring charts. I am just enjoying the moment and trying to play the right way.
Liam Kirk and Great Britain are just having a good time at #IIHFWorlds so don't stop them now.😝🇬🇧 @TeamGBicehockey @kirky1424 pic.twitter.com/17CrGtTj0O
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 26, 2021
“I’m playing with some great line-mates and the puck seems to be going on my stick at the right time.
“But we are competing as a team and getting a bit of success as a team, so that’s the main thing for me.”
Kirk, who was drafted to the NHL with Arizona Coyotes three years ago, has been a major success in the competition, especially as he continues to push his stock higher with his displays.
And he revealed what he thinks is the secret to the GB success story, with the team going from Division 1B to the top flight in successive years and holding their own against the big guns.
Kirk has five goals to his name (PHOTO: Dean Woolley)
“Our team ethos is that we want to play for each other, that’s how we get our success,” he added.
“We might not be the most skilled team but we are definitely one of the most hardest working and I think that is where our success comes from.
“We play the right way, block shots and play for each other. Throughout the whole tournament, whether we win or lose, we stick together as one.
“The chemistry in this team is like a family and I can’t say anything about this team other than amazing things – and the staff as well.
“It’s always an honour to represent your country and to have such a great environment to be in, it’s something special.”
