As I speculated recently, Liam Kirk has signed with Czech team HC VERVA Litvinov for the upcoming 2023-24 season (Verva are the team sponsor).
As per the official press release, it’s a one-year deal.
With Arizona terminating his NHL Entry Level Contract, Kirk was a free agent. As such he could choose the next destination in which to continue his career.
I’ll be publishing an article in the next few days regarding the contract termination/Arizona Coyotes situation.
This transaction represents a financial statement of intent from the Czech team as they look to make themselves contenders.
“The arrival of Kirk in Litvínov was significantly helped by the increase in financial support from the main partner of the club, the company STEBAL, just as in the case of the arrival of Ondřej Kaše. We are very grateful to the club’s main partner, STEBAL. Without their support, Liam’s arrival would not have been possible.” – CEO Pavel Hynek.
HC Litvínov has not been pulling up trees in recent campaigns.
They have finished outside the top ten in a fourteen-team league for the past three seasons. In the two seasons they ‘earned’ a wildcard playoff berth, Litvínov were comprehensively swept 3-0 on both occasions.
Official Press Release
The Czech Extraliga is rated the third-best league in Europe by the IIHF behind Liiga (Finland) and the SHL (Sweden). The return to Liiga would have been preferable for Kirk, but doubtless teams in Europe will be watching his progress at this tier.
The best-known player on Litvínov’s roster for the upcoming season is Ondřej Kaše, formerly of Anaheim, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes. He’ll be alongside his brother David, who has joined from fellow Czech team HC Sparta.
Karel Mlejnek is Head Coach for Litvínov and included on his staff are former NHL’ers Robert Reichel and David Koci.
Kirk will be wearing 94 and will become the first British player to suit up for his new club.
Home for HC Litvínov is the Ivan Hlinka Winter Stadium, which has a capacity of six thousand.
Litvínov will begin their season on the road against HC Dynamo Pardubice on September 15.
Two days later, Kirk will play in front of home fans, when HC Škoda Plzeň come to town.
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