The announcement of Arizona’s rookie roster and schedule marks the beginning of Liam Kirk’s comeback to hockey.

Kirk’s first season as a professional in North America was cut short on November 6th, 2021.
A knee injury sustained in a game against Henderson would require surgery and his campaign was over before it had truly begun.

It’s been one of many setbacks in his career. Now fully rehabilitated, it’s time for the GB forward to make a strong impression in what’s an interesting-looking Arizona roster for the four-team tournament.

Four of Arizona’s 2022 NHL draft selections are included.
Connor Geekie (11), Julian Lutz (43), Jeremy Langlois (94) and Maksymilian Szuber (163)

Two selections from the 2021 draft also make the list.
Dylan Guenther (9) and Manix Landry (139)

Jack McBain and Nathan Smith are centremen signed as free agents from the NCAA. Both suited up for ten NHL games last season and could play alongside Kirk in the AHL this year.

Players familiar to Kirk that will likely be suiting up for Tucson during 2022-23 include Ben McCartney, Ryan McGregor, David Tendeck and Colin Theisen.

Noah Laaouan and Reece Vitelli are rookies signed to AHL deals, while Milos Kelemen is a Slovak winger signed to Arizona as a free agent. His destination also appears to be Tucson.

The roster features 28 total players, including 17 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders.

Forwards: Cole Cormier, Drew Elliott, Conor Geekie, Dylan Guenther, Jakub Hujer, Milos Kelemen, Liam Kirk, Manix Landry, Julian Lutz, Jack McBain, Ben McCartney, Ryan McGregor, Adam Mechura, Nathan Smith, Colin Theisen, Markus Vidicek, Reece Vitelli

Defensemen: Keaton Dowhaniuk, Logan Dowhaniuk, Gerard Keane, Noah Laaouan, Jeremy Langlois, Lleyton Moore, Maksymilian Szuber, Ben Zloty

Goaltenders: Colton Point, David Tendeck, Anson Thornton

Rookie Camp will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 14 with an on-ice practice scheduled for 2:00 – 3:00 pm at Ice Den Scottsdale.
The Coyotes will also skate on Thursday, Sept. 15 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

• Friday, Sept. 16: Vegas Golden Knights @ Arizona Coyotes – 4:30 pm
• Saturday, Sept. 17: Anaheim Ducks @ Arizona Coyotes – 4:30 pm
• Monday, Sept. 19: Colorado Avalanche @ Arizona Coyotes – 10:00 am

The veterans Training Camp will begin with medicals, fitness testing and media day at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

The first on-ice session will occur on Thursday, September 22 at 9:00 a.m. at Ice Den Scottsdale. All on-ice sessions during training camp will take place at Ice Den Scottsdale.

Liam Kirk is almost certain to join this camp and the expectation is he might be given an opportunity in one of the early pre-season games.

The Coyotes begin their seven-game preseason schedule on Sept. 24 against the St. Louis Blues at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, KS.

Arizona’s complete 2022 preseason schedule is below:

Saturday, September 24 vs. St. Louis Blues 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 25 vs. Anaheim Ducks 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 27 @ Dallas Stars# 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 28 @ Anaheim Ducks 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 4 @ Vegas Golden Knights 7:00 p.m.
Friday, October 7 @ Vancouver Canucks 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 8 @ Vegas Golden Knights& 5:00 p.m.

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