Liam Kirk from the EIHL drafted by Arizona.

25 Jun 2018Robert Newbolt»

Liam Kirk of the EIHL makes history.

Liam Kirk (18), Maltby, England and of the EIHL formerly Sheffield Steelers made history on Saturday by becoming the first person born and trained in England in the U.K. to be drafted into the NHL. The two previous incumbents, Tony Hand and Colin Shields were both from Scotland also in the U.K.

Earlier in the year I wrote that he was eligible for the draft and since various scouts from the NHL have watched him. The coach from Arizona obviously liked what he saw and Kirk was drafted in the seventh round, #189 overall.

He told me: “I’m very excited and emotional to have been selected. It’s an honour in itself and I’m excited to get things going. I am very thankful to my friends and especially family, and all the support from the UK.

“It’s a dream come true! Huge honour to be drafted to the @ArizonaCoyotes organisation. Massive thanks to my friends, coaches and especially my family. Also for the support from the British fans leading up to and after the draft. Thank you to everyone for the kind messages.”

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