In a game where Great Britain kept Canada to a surprisingly close 4-2 score in the opening game for each team, it’s no surprise that it was Liam Kirk leading the way for the British. The former Arizona Coyotes prospect figured in on both of his team’s goals, had three shots on target and was second on the team in ice time.

Kirk started the game with a blaze. Just over two minutes in he made a great individual play to strip Brandon Tanev of the puck and then fired a shot from the top of the slot that beat Joel Hofer over the shoulder. However, the goal was called back due to goaltender interference. Undaunted, Kirk opened the scoring for real five minutes later on the power play on a similar shot with a good screen in front.

“The one I had earlier got disallowed, so to get another one so soon after that was a great feeling,” said Kirk. “It gave the boys some momentum and jump. Obviously, it’s tough when you lose, but to keep it as tight as we did against a team like that, we’re pretty happy.”

With GB trailing 4-1 in the third period, Kirk got his second assist of the game by winning a race for the puck in the corner and backhanding a pass to Ben O’Connor, who finished the play with a nice upstairs backhand.

“Yeah, that’s all Benny. I just put it in the area, it wasn’t even to his tape, and he just made an unbelievable play with his feet, showed composure, and finished it. He’s a helluva player and we’re lucky he’s on our team.”

Despite the loss, 4-2 is a very respectable result for the British team. Kirk was reminded of his first World Championship in 2019 when GB lost by a much worse score.

“Yeah, it was pretty heavy-sided … I think it was 8-0, so we’ve come a long way. Obviously, we’re not dull to it, we know that’s not the best roster they can put out there. But still, it’s a team full of NHL players with huge talent, so for us, it’s awesome. We can take a lot from it and get better as the tournament goes on.”

Kirk didn’t want to comment on the rumours that he’ll be headed next season to Eisbären Berlin, but at 24, he still has high hopes of reaching the NHL.

“Of course, that’s still my goal, and I know it’s going to be hard to get there. It’s the best league in the world for a reason, so for me, I’ve just got to put my head down, keep working hard and believe in myself, which I do, and getting to go out there and test yourself against a full team of NHL guys lets you see where you’re at. It was really fun.”