Whilst Liam Kirk was playing for Great Britain against Finland today, Eisbären Berlin confirmed that the team had signed the forward for the upcoming season.
Having already confirmed his departure from HC Litvinov in the Czech Extraliga, rumours were rife of Kirk signing in Germany, although similar rumblings of a move to Sweden were also in the works.
It’s a two-year deal for Kirk which provides him with stability for the immediate future. I do not have concrete evidence but I believe that he has the option to leave in the summer of 2025 should another opportunity present itself.
With Liam having recently purchased a property with his partner, wanting financial stability for the immediate future is a factor that has to play into his decision to sign with Berlin.
While the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) is an extremely popular league with a passionate fan base, it’s a step down in quality from the Finnish league (Kirk previously played for Mikkelin Jukurit). It compares more favourably to the Extraliga, but in my opinion, does not quite match the Czech league. That said, DEL teams fare well in the CHL and generally have a good standard of imports in the league.
I believe the former Arizona prospect will thrive in a league with a North American style (similar to Czech Extraliga) and is a good bet to have success in a top-six role in his favoured wing position. The recent playoffs in Czechia showed how clinical and incisive Kirk can be when moved from centre to wing.
The DEL is a fast-paced and entertaining league, probably one of the top leagues in Europe in that facet. If you’ve never checked it out before, I would highly recommend giving it a try next season.
“We are pleased that Liam Kirk is now playing for the Eisbären. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sign him. He will add further class to our attack. Liam is a top striker who has already proven his goalscoring qualities. He can play both on the wing and in the center position, which makes him versatile.” – Stéphane Richer, sports director
“I am happy to become part of the Eisbären Berlin. The Polar Bears are an incredible and historic organization with outstanding fans. I can hardly wait to get to Berlin and finally get started. Hopefully, we can build on last season’s success together.” – Liam Kirk
(both quotes https://www.eisbaeren.de/news/detail/liam-kirk-wechselt-zu-den-eisbaeren)
As Liam alluded to, Eisbären is a very successful team. Berlin is the current champion, has won the DEL in three of the last four seasons and has been crowned the best team in Germany on ten occasions since 2005.
Based out of Germany’s capital city, Eisbären is owned by Anschutz Entertainment Group, the same company which controls the Los Angeles Kings and their affiliates in the AHL and ECHL.
Whether this provides Kirk with an opportunity back into North America is up for debate and not as sure a deal as many think it is.
The Polar Bears are celebrating their 70th league of existence having been founded in 1954.
They call Uber Arena home, with a capacity upwards of 14,000.
According to https://www.eurohockeyclubs.com/, in the 2023-24 season, Berlin was the third best-attended team in Germany with an average attendance of 13,804 (97% capacity).
Kirk is the fifth overseas player signed for the upcoming season, with DEL teams permitted to sign eleven and dress nine for any single game.
The other imports for Berlin include goaltender Jake Hildebrand (USA), forwards Blaine Byron (Canada), Ty Running (USA/Canada) and Yannick Veilleux (Canada).
Kirk will wear 94 for the German champions, as fourteen is a retired number (Stefan Ustorf). He will become the first player from the UK to suit up in the DEL.
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