Axemen Great Signs with EIHL’s Fife Flyers

Heelis Looking to Make an Impact for Fife

Story courtesy of the Fife Flyers

Fife Flyers sponsored by Arnold Clark Mercedes-Benz are delighted to confirm the signing of Canadian forward, Liam Heelis.

Heelis joins Flyers having just finished a Masters Degree in Sports Psychology at McGill University in Montreal. Heelis brings versatility to the line-up being able to play in all 3 forward positions.

Heelis was part of the Owen Sound Attack side that captured an OHL championship in 2011, having spent the previous 3 seasons playing with Peterborough Petes.

Over his 4 years in the OHL, Heelis iced in 265 games scoring 56 goals and 66 assists.

Despite not playing last season due to commitments completing his Masters degree Heelis, 26, has spent the previous 5 seasons icing in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport league with Acadia University from 2011 to 2015, being named team captain in his final 2 seasons, as well as icing for McGill University in 2015/16.

During his 5 years in the CIS Heelis iced in 160 games scoring 72 goals and 96 assists.

In 2013/14 Heelis was awarded the CIS Player of the Year, just one of many awards he picked up that season, including a gold medal at the University World Championships with Team Canada playing alongside Lucas Bloodoff, older brother of new Flyers signing Evan Bloodoff.

Following signing for Flyers Liam said the following “I am very excited to be joining the Fife Flyers organisation. I feel grateful for the opportunity I have been given, as this gives me my first taste at professional hockey and a chance to submerse myself within a new culture and community.

“Coming from Canadian university hockey, my values lie within strong team culture and contributing to the community, and I have heard many great things about Fife’s storied franchise and enthusiastic fans. Thus, I am really looking forward to getting started.

“I am eagerly looking forward to this experience and learning from the coaching staff and my new teammates. I consider myself very fortunate to start my pro career in Fife. 

“As a player, I consider myself a two-way with strong offensive instincts and the ability to distribute the puck to my line mates and finish my opportunities.”

Assistant Coach Jeff Hutchins added “Liam is a smart two way hockey player that can add offence to a line in all three forward positions.

“Although he didn’t play last year we feel that he has had a stellar university career and he will add some of the intangibles that we missed last season.  

“The character reference checks on him have been some of the most complimentary I have ever had on a player. He is a good player and we will be adding a good person in the room and the community.  We are extremely happy to have Liam with us this season.“