CJ Kirst’s move to attack spurs five-goal breakout for No. 1 pick

In his third game back from injury, CJ Kirst delivered the performance fans and coaches alike had been waiting for.

The No. 1 overall pick erupted for a career-high six points (5G, 1A) in a 13–10 loss to the Boston Cannons on Friday night, making a loud statement as the regular season nears its close.

Kirst scored or assisted on four of the Waterdogs’ final five goals to power a fourth-quarter comeback that fell short in Denver.

His involvement has increased in each of his first three professional games, from 14 touches and five shots against the Maryland Whipsnakes, to 28 and eight against the Carolina Chaos, to 29 and nine against Boston.

“When you have a guy like CJ, you try your best to put him in situations,” head coach and general manager Bill Tierney said after Friday’s loss. “We knew this was going to happen tonight. This is one of the best players in the world.”

Kirst’s production spike wasn’t just about opportunity; it can also be credited to positioning.

After running out of the box in his first two games, Kirst was moved to attack against the Cannons, filling in for fellow rookie Jake Taylor, who exited early after a heavy hit.

The move paid off instantly, and in true storybook fashion, Kirst scored against both of his brothers on a single play. When Connor Kirst switched onto CJ off a pick, the little brother sped around him to bury a shot past Colin Kirst.

“The thing that kind of comes to mind is they just give me confidence,” said Kirst, who totaled one goal and no assists over his first two games. “When I played attack today, I had a couple of opportunities that I think I could have shot the ball. And when you have Kieran McArdle in your ear saying play your game, you have some confidence. Let it fly next time.”

That confidence translated into efficiency.

His shooting percentage jumped more than 40% from the previous week, a testament to better positioning, cleaner looks and a rhythm that seemed to come with more reps at attack.

Though the Waterdogs dropped their third straight game, Kirst and Michael Sowers gave the fanbase something to rally behind. The duo combined for eight of the team’s 10 goals, including four in the fourth quarter alone.

“When you’re playing with guys like Michael Sowers, Kieran McArdle, Jack Hannah—you’re just trying to play off them,” Kirst said. “Everyone’s just trying to play their game, do whatever it takes to win.”

Now the question looms: Will Kirst stay at attack moving forward?

Tierney suggested earlier in the year that Kirst would define his role through his performance. After Friday night, that decision might be made, but it also depends on Taylor’s health.

“Semantics about where and when and how what position he plays – it doesn’t matter. He is going to and already has earned his touches,” Tierney said. “He continues to show what we knew he was all about.”

With one game left in the regular season (this Saturday against the New York Atlas in Boston) and a playoff spot on the line, the Waterdogs will have to rely on No. 15.