Liam Eveleigh has solidified his place as one of the premier defensemen in the GOJHL, earning Midwestern Conference accolades as both Most Valuable Player and Best Defenceman.
With his consistent ability to perform at an elite level, Eveleigh not only sets records but also elevates the play of his teammates, helping lead the Elmira Sugar Kings. “Growing up, I went to every Sugar Kings game I could,” Eveleigh shares. “Being part of this team now, especially in a leadership role, is such an honour. It’s pretty cool to play for a team I looked up to as a kid.”
“The bond with the guys, the new people you meet, and the experiences along the way – those are the things I’ll carry with me forever”
Now, as a veteran player, he understands the weight of wearing the Elmira jersey and its responsibility on and off the ice. Eveleigh’s leadership style is a blend of vocal encouragement and leading by example. “In the room, I’m vocal – motivating the guys and making sure everyone’s ready. On the ice, I try to let my actions speak. I picked up a lot of these qualities from former captains who really set the bar high,” he says.
One of Eveleigh’s standout traits is his relentless work ethic and physicality. “I play a hard-nosed game. I’m physical, I never give up on battles, and I make sure it’s not easy for anyone going up against me,” he explains. His gritty style, combined with his ability to make smart, simple plays, has made him a cornerstone of the Sugar Kings’ defence. Teams aim to gameplan around Eveleigh as he is truly a “Game Wrecker.”
Reflecting on his journey, Eveleigh highlights his first year with the team as pivotal. “We made it to the Cherry Cup Finals up to Game 5. That experience taught me a lot about how tough this league is – there are no easy nights. You have to bring your best every single game,” he says.
Eveleigh’s rise to becoming the conference MVP and Best Defenceman last year was a testament to his hard work and determination. “I started playing more minutes and making the most of every opportunity. But honestly, I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. It’s a team game, and they put me in positions to succeed,” he humbly shares.
Off the ice, Eveleigh is equally dedicated. He and his teammates regularly participate in community events, from sponsoring a family at Christmas to volunteering for remembrance parades and holiday initiatives for families in need. “Being part of the community is so important to us. It’s great to give back to the town that supports us so much,” he says.
While Eveleigh focuses on the present, he’s also thinking about the future. “I want to play hockey as long as I can, but one day I’d love to get into coaching” as he mentions passing on all that he has learned.
For Eveleigh, the friendships he’s built through hockey are among his favourite memories. “The bond with the guys, the new people you meet, and the experiences along the way – those are the things I’ll carry with me forever,” he says.
As he continues to dominate the blue line for the Elmira Sugar Kings, Liam Eveleigh is cementing his legacy not just as one of the league’s best defensemen.
