He didn't start the season with a place to play, but now he's sure got one.
Andrew Liwiski is back in Dauphin playing for his hometown JR. A team, the Dauphin Kings.
The 19-year-old made his debut with the club this past weekend when the Kings won both of their games against the Selkirk Steelers.
"I'd definitely say things went pretty well," said Liwiski. "We picked up four points over the weekend so everyone's happy. We filled the net quite a bit as well, so that was great to see."
Liwiski originally started the year listed with the AJHL's Whitecourt Wolverines. He never ended up going to Alberta and the Kings ended up picking up his rights early last week before the team challenged Swan Valley.
Just being back on the ice is something Liwiski is super pumped up about.
"Obviously it wasn't ideal just waiting around to find out if I was going to play hockey this year," said Liwiski. "It's just nice to get back on the ice doing the thing I love. It's also really cool that it comes in my hometown, so it's extra special to be on the team."
Although Andrew didn't actually know where he would end up this season, he continued to practice on his own to make sure he was ready if he did get the call.
"I had to go skate on my own at the rink in the morning," said Liwiski. "I also went to some Parkland Rangers practices just to stay in shape. Working out off the ice was also something that was important for me."
Last season Andrew played with the Lloydminster Bobcats. He had six points in 50 games. Playing in Lloyd gave the then 18-year-old a chance to develop his game while playing in one of the best junior leagues in the country.
"I've noticed a little bit of a difference between the leagues so far," added Liwiski. "The AJHL seemed to be faster, but the MJHL is definitely a really good league still. It develops some really good players and moves them on to the next level. I'm hoping that one year in the AJ last year will help me going forward this season with the Kings.
After being inserted into the lineup this past weekend, Liwiski made an instant contribution. He had two points and made several excellent defensive plays as the Kings locked down when needed en route to getting a full four points.
Now, Liwiski and the Kings move on to their next challenge and that comes tonight. They head to Neepawa to take on the Natives for the first time this season.
"I think we're pretty confident," said Liwiski. "We're hungry for more. We feel that we can go into their barn tonight and steal two points."
The puck drops at 7:30.
Photo Credit - Dauphin Kings.
