Liam Kirk was the first English born and trained player to feature in the NHL at the age of just 18.
At such a young age a career can be made or broken by these decisions, so where is he now?
Early Beginnings
At 12-years-old Kirk was playing for Sheffield U16s side Sheffield Greyhounds then the Rapiers.
He worked his way through the academy systems until in the 2015-16 season he featured for the Sheffield Steeldogs.
He made 15 appearances for the Steeldogs and received a Great Britain U18s call-up as well.
After the disbandment of the EPIHL in 2017 Kirk started playing for the Sheffield Steelers in the EIHL.
He made 80 appearances for them over the next 2 seasons earning himself more GB caps in that time.
It was then in 2018 when the Arizona Coyotes drafted him in the NHL Entry Draft.
NHL Draft
From here the Englishman played for the Peterborough Petes in the Ontario Hockey League for two seasons, making 110 appearances.
Things got a little complicated when Covid hit and Kirk opted to stay in Europe, signing a loan with Hanhals IF.
He was then loaned back to Sheffield and made 14 appearances scoring 20 points there.
He made a further seven GB caps in the World Championship, scoring nine points.
From here he signed an entry-level deal with the Coyotes in 2021.
He became the first English born and trained player ever to sign in the NHL.
After this promising move there was lots of eyes on what the youngster would do next.
Currently
Things weren’t to be for him, however.
After eight appearances for the Tucson Roadrunners, he suffered a season-ending injury.
The knee injury in November will likely keep the young Forward out for the remainder of the season.
An unfortunate speed bump in an extremely promising player’s career.
With no confirmed recovery date his fans will be left waiting to see him feature again in the World’s top league.
