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.
Joining the Whalers in the 2001–02 season, and improving as a physically defensive player, Liffiton had his most productive season statistically in 2002–03 with 5 goals for 16 points in 64 games to assist the Whalers in advancing to the Western Conference finals against the Kitchener Rangers.