There is plenty to unpack from across the Elite League, National League, and ECHL from the final week of play before Christmas. Here are all the key scores and details you need to know from the last seven days, including analysis on whether the Arizona Coyotes should trade Liam Kirk.
Festive Scores in the Elite League, Challenge Cup, National League
Wednesday, 21 December 2022
- Elite League: Sheffield Steelers 9-4 Dundee Stars
Thursday, 22 December 2022
- Elite League: Belfast Giants 8-0 Fife Flyers
- Elite League: Manchester Storm 1-2 Cardiff Devils (SO)
- Challenge Cup: Coventry Blaze 3-4 Guildford Flames (AGG: 3-9)
- National League: Milton Keynes Lightning 5-2 Raiders IHC
Friday 23, December 2022
- Elite League: Nottingham Panthers 4-2 Glasgow Clan
Atlanta Gladiators Watch: Liam Kirk Continues Scoring Spree
Team Great Britain’s Liam Kirk continued his fine run of form in the ECHL, posting three points (two goals, one assist) in his last three appearances for the Atlanta Gladiators. The Maltby-born forward has taken to life in the third division like a duck to water – which raises an important question about his future as a prospect with the Arizona Coyotes.
If the 22-year-old can already comfortably produce offence in the ECHL, wouldn’t his best interests be served by playing in the American Hockey League?
Liam Kirk, Tucson Roadrunners (Image: AHL)
Kirk, who was selected in the seventh round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, is at a point in his career where he needs to be tested. If the Coyotes want him to fulfil his potential, they need to stretch him.
(This isn’t to say Kirk is entitled or ‘above’ playing for the Gladiators or in the ECHL. He has to work for every opportunity, which – by all accounts – he has since he arrived in North America.)
But what if decision-makers in Arizona aren’t willing to promote Kirk back to the Tucson Roadrunners? In that case, they should trade him to a franchise that values his upside.
Kirk scored three points (two goals, one assist) in eight appearances for the Roadrunners before injury struck last season. That’s absolutely fine for a prospect in the first year of their entry-level deal.
In other words, Kirk can clearly compete in the AHL – and it’s time for the Coyotes to do the right thing (a trade or a promotion) for his long-term development.
Anyway… here the latest results from Atlanta:
- 18/12/22: Atlanta Gladiators 3-1 Savanah Ghost Pirates
- 21/12/22: Atlanta Gladiators 4-3 South Carolina Stingrays (OT)
- 23/12/22: Atlanta Gladiators 2-1 Greenville Swap Rabbits (OT)
