Petes Select Liam and Erik Cermak in 2018 CHL Import Draft

June 28, 2018 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Peterborough Petes News Release

(Peterborough, ON) - The Peterborough Petes selected two forwards in the 2018 CHL Import Draft on Thursday.

With the 8th overall pick, the Petes selected British forward Liam Kirk. The 6'1", 160lbs 2000-born left winger played for the Sheffield Steelers in the EIHL in 2017-18. In 52 games, Kirk recorded 9 goals, 7 assists, and 16 points - the third-highest point total ever in the EIHL by an under-19 player.

Kirk made history last week at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft when he was selected by the Arizona Coyotes, becoming the first player born and trained in England to be drafted.

Internationally, Kirk played for Great Britain at the 2016 IIHF World Under-18 Championship Division II Group A, in the 2017 World Junior Championship Division I Group B, won gold at the 2018 World Under-18 Division II Group A, and won bronze at the World Junior Championship Division II Group A. He also won gold as the second-youngest player on Great Britain's men's national team at the 2018 IIHF World Championship Division I Group A in April.

"Liam is somebody that we were able to follow last season that impressed us with his skating and puck skills," commented Petes General Manager Mike Oke. "In conversations leading up to the draft, he expressed his excitement at the chance to play in Peterborough and the Ontario Hockey League."

With the 54th overall pick in the 2018 CHL Import Draft on Thursday, the Peterborough Petes selected forward Erik Cermak from Czech Republic.

The 6'0", 152lbs 2001-born left winger played for EC Red Bull Salzburg U18 Akademie. In 21 games, Cermak registered 8 goals, 16 assists, and 24 points.

In international play, Cermak has tallied 11 points in 12 games for the Czech Republic.

"Erik was injured in the first part of the season with Red Bull Salzburg, but came back and had a solid finish to the year," added Oke. "He's a very talented player that many consider to be one of the top Czech players in his age group. He also wants to come to North America to hone his skills."

Want to get the latest scoop on Petes players and prospects? Join thousands of fans and stay up to date with the Petes by downloading the Peterborough Petes App. Enter rewards codes WelcomeLiam and WelcomeErik in the My Rewards section of the app to earn loyalty reward points today.

The 2018-19 season begins with Training Camp in late August, followed by five exhibition games between September 1 and September 16, including two home games on Sunday, September 2 at 2:05pm against the Oshawa Generals and on Thursday, September 13 at 7:05pm against the Kingston Frontenacs.

To view the Petes' full schedule, click here. Petes season tickets and 10- and 20-ticket flex packages are on sale now. Fans interested in these ticketing options should contact Coordinator of Season Ticket Sales and Service, Steve Nicholls, at snicholls@gopetesgo.com, or at (705) 743-3681 ext. 263.

Ontario Hockey League Stories from June 28, 2018

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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