Kirk: I am just enjoying the moment and trying to play the right way

The World Championship’s joint-leading goalscorer, Great Britain forward Liam Kirk, has modestly said he’s just “enjoying the moment and trying to play the right way”.

Kirk has five goals from six matches going into GB’s final Group A game against Switzerland tomorrow.

The 21-year-old scored in GB’s opening games of the tournament against Russia and Slovakia, before a double in the 4-3 victory over Belarus and a goal against Sweden.

“I wanted to come and make an impact and be part of a team making an impact for Great Britain,” said Kirk.

“I definitely did not expect to be top of the goalscoring charts. I am just enjoying the moment and trying to play the right way.

“I am playing with some great line-mates and the puck seems to be going on my stick at the right time.

“But we are competing as a team and getting a bit of success as a team, so that’s the main thing for me.”

GB are playing in their second successive season at the elite level after successive promotions in 2017 in Belfast and 2018 in Budapest, moving up from Division I Group B which is the third tier of world ice hockey.

“Our team ethos is that we want to play for each other, that’s how we get our success,” continued Kirk.

“We might not be the most skilled team but we are definitely one of the most hardest working and I think that is where our success comes from.

“We play the right way, block shots and play for each other. Throughout the whole tournament, whether we win or lose, we stick together as one.

“The chemistry in this team is like a family and I can’t say anything about this team other than amazing things – and the staff as well.

“It’s always an honour to represent your country and to have such a great environment to be in, it’s something special.”

All of GB’s games are live on FreeSports in the UK. FreeSports is available free on Sky Channel 422, Virgin Media Channel 553, on Channel 64 on Freeview and BT and via the FreeSports Player.

IIHF 2021 World Championship – GB results and fixtures
Saturday 22nd May – Great Britain 1-7 Russia – Goal: Liam Kirk
Sunday 23rd May – Great Britain 1-2 Slovakia – Goal: Liam Kirk
Tuesday 25th May – Great Britain 2-3 Denmark (overtime) – Goals: Ben O’Connor, Mike Hammond
Wednesday 26th May – Belarus 3-4 Great Britain – Goals: Liam Kirk 2, Ben Davies, Mike Hammond
Friday 28th May – Sweden 4-1 Great Britain – Goal: Liam Kirk
Saturday 29th May – Czech Republic 6-1 Great Britain Goal: Matthew Myers
Tuesday 1st June – Switzerland v Great Britain – 12:15 face-off (10:15 UK time)