Switch to Leeds Knights richly rewarding for import forward Liam Peyton
IF LIAM PEYTON could have chosen an ending to his first full year as a pro, then it’s likely Sunday night will have come pretty close.
The 26-year-old Canadian picked up the Leeds Knights MVP award after his two goals helped them to a 5-3 win over Hull Seahawks in the NIHL National play-off final at Coventry’s SkyDome Arena.
It was the perfect conclusion to the forward’s first full year as a pro player, having taken the decision to join the Knights last summer.
Prior to that, the 6ft 1ins left-hander’s only pro experience was 11 games the previous season for Trois-Rivières Lions in the ECHL, following four years of college hockey for Dalhousie Tigers in USports.
Stepping into the unknown, Peyton was aware of the pressure in joining a team used to success, the Knights having won five trophies – including three league titles – in just three years under head coach Ryan Aldridge.
Being part of a roster heavily rebuilt last summer that was able to extend that winning streak for a fourth year was understandably satisfying.
“You go through the course of the year and you have some struggles and getting to the Cup final and seeing that one go without us picking it up was tough,” said Peyton.
“But now we’ve got this one, it’s very satisfying and it is something to be very proud of with the group we have and the challenges we’ve faced.”
When asked to rank Sunday’s triumph in terms of his playing career, Peyton replied: “Very, very high.
“From the experience of being overseas and the fans, it’s just been special. It’s a heartwarming feeling for sure to win a championship.
“Matt Bissonnette asked me if I’d ever felt like this before and I said ‘No, it’s one of a kind for me’. It’s just unbelievable.”
While not the most prolific import in the league, Peyton has had a big influence on the Knights this season, his relentless, barreling physical presence on the ice as welcome as the 60 points he has collected - 30 of them goals - in 66 appearances.
It remains to be seen whether he returns for a second season in Leeds, or heads elsewhere. Either way, what he has experienced over the past eight months will remain with him for a long time.
“It feels awesome,” he added. “I’m very proud of this group, the guys in that room, the people in that room, led by Ryan (Aldridge) at the top and the whole way through.
“There is a lot of character in there and to do what we accomplished is very special.”