The release of the Sheffield Steeldogs roster for the upcoming NIHL Spring Cup had one very surprising name among the list.

Arizona Coyotes prospect and Team GB forward Liam Kirk will wear #94 for the Sheffield Steeldogs in what will be his first time playing on UK ice since departing for the OHL and the Peterborough Petes in the summer of 2018.

Since March 8, 2020, Kirk has played just twelve competitive games. Those were in the Swedish third tier for Hanhals for whom he recorded ten points (5-5-10).

Since returning from Sweden just before Christmas, the 21-year-old’s career has been on hold as he awaited word on a potential start date for the Ontario Hockey League.

At this time it does not look imminent although hockey analyst Jeff Marek recently reported on the ‘31 Thoughts Podcast’ that the OHL would have a shortened season. The rumour is March is a potential starting date.

That being the case, this NIHL series is a perfect way for Kirk to get some competitive ice-time and hit the road running if a return to North America follows next month.

The GB forward hasn’t played for the Steeldogs since 2017-18 but will be lining up alongside some very familiar names.
Great Britain team-mates on the roster include Captain Jonathan Phillips, defenseman Ben O’Connor and forward Ben Lake.

Alex Graham is a player Kirk has dressed alongside at the GB junior level.
It would create much excitement if those two young offensive players were put on a line together.

There is also the unique opportunity to play on the same team as his elder brother, Jonathan.

The Spring Cup begins as soon as this upcoming weekend with the Swindon Wildcats hosting the Sheffield Steeldogs on Saturday, 13th February 2021.
The five-team event will include the Bracknell Bees, Romford Raiders and Telford Tigers, with those clubs joining the competition in the following weekend.

Remaining fixtures for the seven-week event held behind closed doors will be released very soon.
It is planned that there will be staggered start times where two games are taking place on the same day.

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