Joining the Whalers in the 2001–02 season, and developing as a physical stay-at-home defenseman, Liffiton recorded his best season statistically in 2002–03 with 5 goals for 16 points in 64 games to help the Whalers reach Western Conference finals against the Kitchener Rangers.
In the 2001–02 season, Liffiton joined the Whalers and became a more physically defensive player. In his best statistical performance, he scored 5 goals for 16 points over 64 games in the 2002–03 season, helping the Whalers reach the Western Conference finals against the Kitchener Rangers.