Mooseheads Draft Pick: Liam Kilfoil

Kilfoil began the game demonstrating outstanding skills to understand both sides of the puck and make wise decisions. He would assess all available options before strategically dispersing to teammates who were in scoring positions.

Halifax Mooseheads selected him in the second round of last month’s QMJHL Draft and he has also played with Mount St. Charles Academy AAA team.

Early Life and Education

Kilfoil was born and raised in Bath, New Brunswick. As a youth player he played minor hockey for Port City Sharks AAA program before moving south of the border and joining Mount Saint Charles Academy last season – scoring 49 goals and 133 points over 62 games for this US high school prep team.

Cam Russell of the Halifax Mooseheads had some patience leading up to the QMJHL draft but knew he wanted Kilfoil as part of his roster. To secure him for round two of this draft – Quispamsis native Kilfoil is expected to begin his junior career with Halifax next season – Cam traded two 2024 second-round picks (57th overall and 91st overall) from Rimouski Oceanic for this deal and two 2024 second-rounders (2024/2/9) from Rimouski Oceanic to secure his rights for round two; Rimouski Oceanic agreed to trade third and fifth rounders (57th overall and 91st overall) for Kilfoil’s rights from Rimouski Oceanic in return for trading three picks. Quispamsis native Jace will begin his junior career next season before starting up junior with Halifax.

Professional Career

Kilfoil stands out among 2007 born forwards due to his skill, speed and vision. Upon entering a zone he can quickly assess all options before passing it on to teammates who are in scoring positions.

Halifax Mooseheads made sure they secured Kilfoil’s rights this week by tendering him a contract for next season. A native of Quispamsis, New Brunswick who was 13th-rated according to QMJHL Central Scouting had fallen due to USHL and NCAA aspirations but nonetheless entered this draft as the 14th pick.

Kilfoil put his exceptional skills on display against New Brunswick during the 2023 QMJHL Cup earlier this month in Dieppe. Using his skating abilities to weave through traffic and create opportunities while showing strong single-arm puck control. Furthermore, he demonstrated an uncanny ability to evade defenders with the puck still in hand.

Achievement and Honors

Kilfoil is an experienced forward with remarkable puck handling skills and an in-depth knowledge of the game. He excels at reading play, staying ahead of opposing defense, and creating opportunities for his teammates.

He made excellent use of his wingers during this game, often positioning them into position to create dangerous scoring opportunities. Furthermore, he displayed great anticipation during transition, often anticipating what his defenders would do with the puck before quickly repositioning himself before they had an opportunity to control it themselves.

Kilfoil took part in 25 games with both teams this season; scoring 36 points overall while on Buffalo Regals 16U AAA team and 40 in 25 games played for Salisbury School Crimson Knights USHS Prep league respectively.

Personal Life

Kilfoil is an understated leader who brings high end skill and production to his game. He boasts an exemplary hockey IQ and understands the art of smart hockey play without using puck possession as much.

Kilfoils’ speed, open ice quickness and willingness to shoot made him an obvious target at last month’s QMJHL Draft, prompting Halifax Mooseheads to quickly select him as their 31st overall selection.

Kilfoil originally joined Port City Sharks of the AAA New Brunswick league before making the move to Mount St. Charles Academy and Salisbury School’s USHS prep school hockey program for 2022-23. Now 16, Kilfoil has signed a tender agreement with Mooseheads and will become part of their 2023-24 roster.

Net Worth

Kilfoil possesses significant offensive upside that could help him become an impactful centre. Cam Russell of the Mooseheads was eager to acquire him at Saturday’s QMJHL draft and traded two second round picks (2024, 56th overall and 91st overall) from Halifax as trade bait in order to acquire Kilfoil from Rimouski Oceanic.

Kilfoil is an exciting force throughout the game, showing an uncanny ability to be effective in transition. He possesses both skill and composure to elude any pinch attempt while showing speed into his zone with acceleration and carry. As an aggressive shooter he also takes full advantage of every opportunity when taking shots.