Former Sheffield Steeler Liam Kirk's Canadian bosses will watch his Spring Cup exploits

Liam Kirk may be playing his hockey 5,400 miles from his regular employers - but that doesn't mean they won't be watching his every move on the ice.
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The Maltby-born former Sheffield Steeler will play for Sheffield Steeldogs this weekend, on loan, from Peterborough Pirates in the Ontario Hockey League, Canada.

It is a great boost for Dogs' fans who will watch him play in the NIHL Spring Cup, via webstream.

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But Petes, coached by ex Steeler Rob Wilson, have made it clear they too will be tuning in - and reserve the right to winch him back if the OHL resumes, during the pandemic lockdown.

General Manager Michael Oke told Petes' fans: "The loan will allow Kirk to stay in condition until the 2020-21 Ontario Hockey League season starts.

"Per the agreement, the Petes will be in close contact with Steeldogs and will be monitoring Kirk’s performance."

Oke underlined the player: "will return to Peterborough when the OHL season commences."

Liam Kirk in action for Steelers. Pic: Steve GunnLiam Kirk in action for Steelers. Pic: Steve Gunn
Liam Kirk in action for Steelers. Pic: Steve Gunn
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Petes' desire to have him back in the ranks is understandable, he has scored 97 points in 110 games over two seasons there.

But like the EIHL in England, the OHL will find it difficult to overcome all the hurdles ahead of them for a season to start any time soon.

One former Steeler, based in Canada, said: "I'm sceptical about what the OHL are saying about returning to play, they're trying to maintain hope; they said December, then it was February.

Rob Wilson - Kirk's boss.Rob Wilson - Kirk's boss.
Rob Wilson - Kirk's boss.

"Schools just started back this week. Everything except essential businesses has been shut down throughout southern Ontario where the majority of the teams are located.

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"There is a plan in place to gradually re-open with limits. Arenas had a 10 skater maximum that got shut down in December and hasn't resumed as of yet; 10 skaters is a long way from being able to play games.

"They have three American teams and the borders have been shut since March with no immediate plans to reopen.

"That's a ton of hurdles to overcome. My guess is they won't play this year, maybe a little mini tournament in the late spring for NHL scouts...but the NHL is talking of cancelling the draft and having two drafts next year."

Kirk is relieved to have found somewhere in the world where he can actually compete on the ice.

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“I’m really excited to be back playing, especially with the circumstances everyone’s in around the world,” he said.

“Things have fell into place for me timing wise and it’s a good fit for me to play with the Steeldogs," the South Yorkshireman told Britishicehockey.co.uk

“I’m keen to show what I’ve learned since I left and I’ve had a lot of support from fans all over the country, so it will be exciting to be back in a Steeldogs shirt for the first time since I was 16/17.

“It’ll be a little different now playing with the likes of Jono (Phillips) and Ben (O’Connor) compared to my Steelers' days, but I’ve got a lot more experience under my belt.

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