WHL Stars of Tomorrow: Brek Liske, Everett Silvertips

The minute Brek Liske took to the ice during the Everett Silvertips’ training camp in September 2023, assistant coach Mike Field was convinced he knew the blueliner from somewhere. Yet, no matter how hard Field reached into his years of coaching memories, his query failed to get solved.

It wasn’t until Liske made his WHL debut on December 13, that Field’s confusion was finally rectified. Stepping off the bench following a 5-2 win over the Prince George Cougars, the 40-year-old opened up his phone to find an unsuspecting text message from a former player and friend, Adam Pleskach. Pleskach, who was coached by Field for three seasons (2009-2012) at American International College, asked about Liske following his first career game with the Silvertips.

As it turns out, Pleskach is Liske’s uncle.

Upon hearing of their relationship, the pieces began to put themselves together. Despite coaching Pleskach over a decade ago, Field realized that much of Pleskach’s game is also embedded into the style of Everett’s up-and-coming blueliner.

“It’s funny because they have a lot of the same traits and characteristics, just like their personality,” Field shared. “I’m just assuming it’s from their upbringing and kind of the family values. But yeah, I see a lot of his uncle in him. Just from the way that he carries himself and the way that he endures himself to his teammates and the group.”

Unable to connect with his uncle frequently – caused by a combination of Liske’s jam-packed hockey schedule and Pleskach’s ten-year tenure in the ECHL – Liske jokingly chalks up their similarities to their ties with their shared hometown of Beausejour, Man.

“He’s been living in America and travelling and all that. So, I guess, [we’re] just naturally similar. That’s the best way I could describe it, or maybe Beausejour pumps out the same type of hockey players,” Liske said.

Regardless of how Liske absorbed his uncle’s likeness, the on-and-off ice traits are crucial ones to have as a Western League regular. Not only do they give him the edge over his competition, but they also put him in a spot to find success on the Silvertips’ roster.

“From the first kind of time that I met him and gave him kind of any instruction, he was very genuine and receptive,” Field shared. “As a player, his hockey sense is what really stood out to be right away. Anytime that you’re jumping up to a new level, the game stays the same. It’s just a lot faster. And, that’s where his ability to adjust as quickly as he did was really impressive.”

It’s also how Liske was able to find near-instant results as a budding 14-year-old on the junior hockey scene. In just his second career game, the 6-foot, 180-pound defenceman got onto the scoresheet, firing a well-aimed wrist shot into the bottom corner of the net for his first-ever Western League goal. Liske also tacked on a +5 plus/minus rating to his breakout evening.

speaking of Liske… his first Dub goal deserves a #tbt pic.twitter.com/rpShzTRA2b

— Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) February 8, 2024

More than impressed with his three stints during the regular season, Field and the rest of the Silvertips management also entrusted Liske to suit up in a triad of clashes with the Portland Winterhawks during Round Two of the 2024 WHL Playoffs.

And, to no one’s surprise, Liske once again stepped up to the occasion. While he didn’t capitalize on the scoresheet, Liske used his post-season appearances to prove to his coaches that he was the type of player who embraces pressure and can follow through in meaningful moments of a game.

It also gave Field and Co. a good sample of the attributes Liske can bring to the lineup for the upcoming season.

“For him to be able to do that right away sets the table for this year – to come in and have the chance to be an every night kind of guy, and the guy that gets leaned on,” Field praised. “Obviously, everything’s going to have to be earned, and, as a young guy, sometimes that might take longer than everybody likes, but he definitely set himself up to be a guy that can play every night and contribute in a multitude of different ways.”

GOLDEN GOAL FOR THE GOLD AND BLACK 🏆@WHLsilvertips prospect Brek Liske wins the WHL Cup for @hockeymanitoba in the shootout! pic.twitter.com/htkNLKTN1R

— The WHL (@TheWHL) October 22, 2023

Yet, Liske won’t take all the credit for the success he found during the 2023-24 season. The blueliner gave thanks to the team’s veterans and NHL prospects for guiding him through his season as an affiliate player.

“Austin Roest was really good to me. He taught me a lot of things,” Liske shared. “Kaden Hammell, who I also billeted with, was really good. And Tarin Smith, who just got drafted this year to the NHL. So, it’s a pretty good group that kind of showed me the ropes and all that.”

Having a trio of players tied to NHL clubs – especially his blueline buds, Hammell and Smith – also taught Liske that the work isn’t close to being done yet.

Instead, the Manitoban is ready to take his game to an entirely different realm.

He’s ready to challenge the best in order to be the best.

“For training camp, my goal is to prove that I can play all situations, anytime. Prove I can play with the best players, defend some of the best players in the League, which I’m really excited to do,” Liske admitted. “I just want to prove I can slot into any role they need me in.”

“It’s about winning, and that’s what I want to do.”