Mark Liwiski is starting to find his groove as a professional hockey player.
The Dauphin star is another great story of a young man who played with the Parkland Rangers program and then moved on to play the sport that he loves for money. 10 years ago with the U15 team, Liwiski scored 39 times in 35 games and had 91 points. He then played one year with the U18 team, scoring 25 times and adding 29 assists.
Liwiski then went on to play 10 games with the Everett Silvertips in the Western Hockey League before returning to Manitoba to play with the Blizzard Junior A Hockey Club where he suited up in 42 games. To open the 2018-19 season, Mark moved to Kelowna to join the Rockets and he then ended his Major Junior career with the franchise, playing in 197 games with them.
Mark followed that up by making the jump from Major Junior to the professional ranks when he joined the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL in the 2022-23 season. That year will go down as a successful one to open up his career as a pro as the Dauphinite posted 10 goals and 17 points. This is to go along with 192 penalty minutes as Mark has always been known as a player that plays on the edge and always stands up for his teammates, which is why teams are showing so much interest in him.
Mark returned to the ECHL last season, this time with the Norfolk Admirals where he took his game to the next level. Playing in 13 fewer games compared to his first season in Wichita, Mark increased his point total to 25, 11 of which were goals.
"I think being more comfortable in my role and how things went in Norfolk," said Liwiski. "It was a first-class organization, everything went very well. I had great teammates and coaches."
While Mark enjoyed his time with the Admirals, the highlight of his season was spent in Manitoba's capital with the Moose. He was called up by the American Hockey League (AHL) team on two separate occasions after competing in training camp with them. Liwiski went on to play seven games with the Moose last year.
Mark spoke about the excitement of returning to Manitoba and getting the opportunity to play in front of his family and friends.
"It was probably one of the best moments of my life, to get that chance, super cool," said Liwiski. "I wanted to make the most of it and prove that I belong. It was very special playing in front of my parents. They have supported me every step of the way."
Liwiski certainly made the most of it as he scored his first AHL goal with the Moose on April 13 in a game against the Iowa Wild.
"It was a pretty special, full circle moment," offered Liwiski. "It was a game I won't forget."
Mark went on to play seven games with the Moose, adding one assist to go along with his goal. He then played one Calder Cup Playoff game, registering one assist. Mark is now in Winnipeg training and skating as he prepares for the 2024-25 season and he won't have to go far to get things going. In fact, he will stay in Manitoba's capital.
The Moose announced that they have signed the Dauphin product to a one-year contract through the 2024-25 season.
"The Moose are a first-class organization, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," ended Liwiski. "We have a good hockey club. It was very easy to sign with them, I'm thrilled about this opportunity. I'm excited to be a member of the team and I'll be ready for camp."
Mark and the Moose open up the new season on Saturday, October 12. They play Iowa that night to open up a two-game set before heading to Grand Rapids to play the Griffins for a pair of games the following weekend. They then play their home opener on Saturday, October 26 against Rockford.
