Best Lacrosse Checks: Analyzing the Final 2023 NCAA Division III Men’s Rankings

How did Salisbury clinch the top spot in the final rankings. Which teams made the biggest statements this season. What were the most surprising outcomes in Division III men’s lacrosse.

Salisbury’s Defensive Dominance Secures National Title and #1 Ranking

The Salisbury Sea Gulls showcased their defensive prowess in the 2023 NCAA Division III men’s lacrosse national championship game, shutting down a high-powered Tufts offense to claim their 13th national title. This impressive performance cemented Salisbury’s position atop the final Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Men’s Top 20 rankings.

Head coach Jim Berkman’s defensive game plan proved to be the difference-maker, as Salisbury (23-1) held off previously undefeated Tufts (22-1) to secure the championship. The Sea Gulls’ lone loss of the season came earlier in the year against Gettysburg, but they peaked at the perfect time to capture another title.

Breaking Down the Top 5 in the Final Rankings

Behind Salisbury and Tufts, the top 5 in the final rankings rounded out as follows:

1. Christopher Newport (19-3)
2. RIT (21-2)
3. Washington and Lee (18-5)

Christopher Newport made a significant leap, moving up from their previous ranking of 4th. RIT dropped one spot to 4th despite an impressive 21-2 record. Perhaps the biggest surprise in the top 5 was Washington and Lee, who surged from 12th to 5th on the strength of their NCAA tournament performance.

Biggest Upsets and Statement Wins of the 2023 Season

The 2023 Division III men’s lacrosse season was full of surprises and statement victories. Two particular outcomes stand out:

St. John Fisher’s Unexpected Struggles

After a strong 2022 campaign that saw them lose just three games, St. John Fisher entered the 2023 season with high expectations. However, the team stumbled out of the gate, losing eight of their first nine games. This shocking start was a far cry from their preseason ranking in the 15-19 range.

While St. John Fisher rebounded in the second half of the season (going 9-2 in their final 11 games), their early-season woes serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college lacrosse. The silver lining? With four of their top five scorers returning and valuable experience gained by freshmen in key roles, St. John Fisher could be poised for a Top 10 return in 2024.

Swarthmore’s Double Takedown of Gettysburg

Swarthmore’s victory over perennial powerhouse Gettysburg on April 8th sent shockwaves through the Division III lacrosse world. Gettysburg entered the game with an impressive resume, having already defeated Salisbury (the Sea Gulls’ only loss of 2023), Washington and Lee, Ursinus, Stevenson, and York.

Led by the dynamic Mabbs brothers, Swarthmore not only pulled off the upset but did so convincingly enough to vault into the Top 20 rankings the following week. To prove it wasn’t a fluke, Swarthmore repeated the feat a month later, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in Division III lacrosse.

Washington and Lee: The Team That Deserved More Recognition

In hindsight, Washington and Lee (W&L) was underappreciated for much of the 2023 season. The Generals’ impressive NCAA tournament run silenced doubters and highlighted their potent offense.

Consider these eye-popping statistics:

• W&L scored 20 or more goals in 10 games this season
• They finished 7th overall in team offense, averaging 17.52 goals per game
• A three-game losing streak early in the season (two overtime losses and one to a surging Christopher Newport team) likely kept them out of the top 10 for too long

While their season ultimately ended with a quarterfinal loss to eventual champion Salisbury, W&L proved to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in Division III lacrosse.

The Impact of Close Games on Team Development

The 2023 season demonstrated the significant impact that close games can have on a team’s development and perception. St. John Fisher’s early-season struggles included narrow losses to top programs like RIT (by two goals) and Christopher Newport (by four goals). These tight contests, while disappointing in the short term, likely contributed to the team’s growth and second-half resurgence.

Conversely, Washington and Lee’s early-season overtime losses to Lynchburg and Hampden-Sydney may have unfairly diminished their standing in the eyes of pollsters. As the Generals proved in their NCAA tournament run, these close defeats against quality opponents helped forge a battle-tested squad capable of competing with the nation’s best.

The Rise of New Contenders in Division III Lacrosse

Swarthmore’s emergence as a legitimate threat to established powers like Gettysburg signals an exciting trend in Division III men’s lacrosse. The 2023 season saw several programs make significant strides, challenging the notion of a rigid hierarchy within the division.

Other teams making noise in 2023 included:

• Christopher Newport: Climbing to #3 in the final rankings
• Union: Rising from unranked to #13 by season’s end
• Grove City: Entering the Top 20 at #18 after being unranked for much of the year

This influx of new contenders adds depth and excitement to the Division III landscape, promising even more competitive seasons to come.

Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Prowess: The Key to Success

The 2023 season highlighted the ongoing battle between high-powered offenses and stifling defenses in Division III lacrosse. While teams like Washington and Lee lit up the scoreboard consistently, it was Salisbury’s defensive masterclass in the national championship game that ultimately secured the title.

This dichotomy raises intriguing questions for coaches and players:

• Is it better to focus on developing an unstoppable offense or an impenetrable defense?
• How can teams strike the right balance between scoring prowess and defensive solidity?
• Are certain playing styles more effective in regular-season play versus tournament situations?

As teams analyze the results of the 2023 season, these strategic considerations will likely influence recruiting, player development, and tactical approaches in the years to come.

Looking Ahead: Potential Breakout Teams for 2024

Based on the performances and trends observed in 2023, several teams appear poised for potential breakout seasons in 2024:

1. St. John Fisher: With a young core gaining valuable experience, they could return to the Top 10
2. Swarthmore: Building on their statement wins, they may challenge for a spot in the top 5
3. Grove City: After cracking the Top 20 in 2023, they’ll look to climb even higher
4. St. Lawrence: Finishing at #14, they have the potential to push into the top 10 with continued improvement
5. Williams: Despite a 10-8 record, they finished ranked #15 and could make a leap with a stronger win-loss record

These teams, along with perennial contenders like Salisbury, Tufts, and RIT, should make for an exciting and competitive 2024 season in Division III men’s lacrosse.

The Evolution of Defensive Strategies in Division III Lacrosse

Salisbury’s championship-winning performance highlighted the continued importance of innovative defensive strategies in Division III lacrosse. As offenses become increasingly sophisticated, defensive coordinators must adapt to stay ahead of the curve.

Some key defensive trends to watch include:

• Increased emphasis on defensive midfield play to disrupt transitions
• More aggressive ride packages to force turnovers and limit clearing opportunities
• Adaptive zone defenses designed to neutralize specific offensive threats
• Enhanced goalie training to improve save percentages and outlet passes

As teams analyze Salisbury’s defensive success, expect to see a renewed focus on defensive fundamentals and creative schemes across Division III lacrosse in the coming seasons.

The Role of Player Development in Program Success

The 2023 season underscored the critical importance of player development in building and maintaining successful Division III lacrosse programs. Teams like St. John Fisher and Washington and Lee demonstrated how young talent can be honed over the course of a season, leading to improved performance and potential future success.

Key aspects of effective player development include:

1. Providing meaningful playing time to underclassmen in key situations
2. Implementing comprehensive off-season training programs
3. Fostering leadership skills in upperclassmen to mentor younger players
4. Utilizing advanced analytics to identify areas for individual improvement
5. Creating a culture of continuous learning and adaptation

Programs that excel in these areas are likely to see sustained success and upward mobility in the Division III lacrosse rankings.

The Impact of Conference Play on National Rankings

The 2023 season highlighted the complex relationship between conference performance and national rankings in Division III lacrosse. Strong conferences like the NESCAC (New England Small College Athletic Conference) and the Centennial Conference consistently produced highly-ranked teams, but also saw some members experience significant fluctuations in their national standing.

Factors influencing the impact of conference play on rankings include:

• Strength of non-conference schedules
• Performance in conference tournaments
• Head-to-head results against other ranked teams
• Consistency of performance throughout the season

As the landscape of Division III lacrosse continues to evolve, the weight given to conference play in determining national rankings may need to be reevaluated to ensure a fair and accurate representation of team strength.

The Future of Division III Lacrosse: Trends to Watch

As we look ahead to the 2024 season and beyond, several trends are likely to shape the future of Division III men’s lacrosse:

1. Increased parity among top programs, leading to more competitive games and tournaments
2. Growing emphasis on multi-dimensional players who excel in multiple facets of the game
3. Continued innovation in offensive and defensive strategies to gain competitive edges
4. Greater use of advanced analytics and technology in player development and game planning
5. Expansion of the sport into new geographic regions, potentially altering the traditional power structure

These trends, combined with the lessons learned from the 2023 season, promise an exciting future for Division III lacrosse fans, players, and coaches alike.

Salisbury Checks in Atop Final Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Men’s Top 20

Salisbury Checks in Atop Final Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Men’s Top 20 | USA Lacrosse Magazine

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Salisbury Checks in Atop Final Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Men’s Top 20

Thu Jun 8 2023 | Dan Arestia and Kyle Devitte | College
College Men   Division III   NCAA Lacrosse Rankings

PHOTO BY RICH BARNES

Salisbury shut down Tufts to win its 13th national championship.

Jim Berkman’s defensive mastery was on display in the national championship game, and as a result, Salisbury lifted its 13th national title and finishes the 2023 reason ranked No. 1 in the Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Men’s Top 20.

Tufts, the national runner-up and the top team entering the NCAA tournament, is No. 2. The Jumbos were in search of a perfect season before running into the Sea Gulls.

Nike/USA Lacrosse Rankings

Division I Men | Division I Women
Division II Men | Division II Women
Division III Men | Division III Women

NIKE/USA LACROSSE
DIVISION III MEN’S TOP 20

Also considered (alphabetical order): Clarkson, Hampden-Sydney, Muhlenberg, Stevens

IN CLOSING

A quick look at the biggest storylines of 2023.

BIGGEST UPSET

In 2022, St. John Fisher lost just three games, the last of which was in the NCAA tournament at the hands of a Tufts-colored buzzsaw. Fisher was senior-heavy and dynamic on offense. It controlled possessions and knew when and how to put its foot on the gas. Preseason polls put St. John Fisher somewhere in the 15-19 neighborhood. Yes, a very talented senior class had graduated, but there were some bright young contributors in 2022, and it’s hard to imagine a bare cupboard after the year they had.

Well, 2023 did not go quite as well. St. John Fisher lost eight of the first nine games, with one postponement, early in the year. It plummeted from the polls, and it was clear that a rebuild was underway. There were battles in those losses, falling to RIT by just two, CNU by four and Ursinus and Muhlenberg by one. But as can happen with a young team, those close games more often seem to be losses than wins. St. John Fisher’s early season experience paid off in an excellent second half of the spring, as SJFC went 9-2 over the last 11 games. Four of the top five scorers return next season, and multiple freshmen in prominent roles will be a year better.

Possibly poised to return to the Top 10 in 2024, it was a stunner to see the start of 2023 go how it did. 

BIGGEST STATEMENT WIN

Other than the title game, this Swarthmore victory over Gettysburg felt like a seismic shift in the balance of power in Division III. Gettysburg had beaten Salisbury (which remains the Gulls’ only loss of 2023), Washington and Lee, Ursinus, Stevenson and York … surely, it was going to handle little ol’ Swarthmore. This season, there was no “surely.” 

On April 8, Swarthmore, a team that was only well known in Pennsylvanian circles and the dark netherworlds of D-III message boards, led by the Mabbs boys, knocked off the blue-blooded Bullets. Swarthmore made a massive leap into the Top 20 the next week and climbed from there. In fact, Swarthmore liked the win so much, it did it again about a month later. 

NOT ENOUGH LOVE

Mea culpa. The Generals were outside of the top 10 for way too long this season. Hindsight is a fickle and vengeful mistress, but we must respect her. W&L made a convincing run in the NCAA tournament to silence even the most ardent of doubters. This team put up 20 goals 10 times this season. The Generals finished seventh overall in team offense with 17.52 goals per game. Scoring was never the problem. 

A three-game losing streak in the first half of the season is the most likely reason why pundits didn’t rate W&L, but when you look at those losses, two were in overtime, one against Lynchburg and one against Hampden-Sydney. And the third loss was against a surging CNU team chasing the No. 1 spot at that point in the season.

W&L’s run through the playoffs ended with a quarterfinal loss to eventual champion Salisbury, but up until that point, the Generals were one of the most fun teams to watch in the nation. Not just because of the goals, but the play between the boxes and the end product of a squad that grew into itself throughout the spring.  

NCAA Lacrosse Rankings

Middlebury Leads Wire-to-Wire in Nike/USA Lacrosse D-III Women’s Top 20

Jun 8 2023 | Laurel Pfahler

NCAA Lacrosse Rankings

Salisbury Checks in Atop Final Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Men’s Top 20

Jun 8 2023 | Dan Arestia and Kyle Devitte

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Ithaca Head Coach Jeff Long Retires After 36 Seasons

Jun 2 2023 | Kenny DeJohn

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Another One: Salisbury’s Untraditional Route to its 13th National Championship

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Best lacrosse elbow pads

Which lacrosse elbow pads are best?

Lacrosse is an aggressive contact sport. Protection from hits and checks is an absolute necessity. A defender will use a check to knock the ball out of an opponent’s stick head, and although it should only be stick to stick, oftentimes the elbows take the hit. Before buying elbow pads, however, it’s important to know the position and the style of play for you or your player. For the most versatile lacrosse elbow pads, the STX Lacrosse Cell 4 Lacrosse Elbow Pads are the top choice.

What to know before you buy lacrosse elbow pads

Sizing

Much like knee pads, lacrosse elbow pads come in many different sizes such as small, medium and large. There are youth sizes available as well. It’s best to have an idea of your size and take a look at the dimensions on the descriptions to ensure that they have a proper, snug fit to maximize their protection and comfort. The last thing you want is your pads sliding around during a match and failing to protect you from hits.

Field positions

In the game of lacrosse, there are four main field positions, each requiring different levels of protection. The attack position needs more protection against incoming checks. The midfield position dodges checks from up top, making for fewer checks. The defense position often doesn’t take checks unless clearing the ball, and of course, the goalie doesn’t take checks at all. These factors are all important when deciding which elbow pads are best.

Terminology

Although they are all, by definition, elbow pads, lacrosse elbow pads can use a different vernacular to describe the differences of their designs. There are arm guards which are best for the attack position due to their added protection. There are also arm pads, which are best for midfield positions with less protection but more mobility. Elbow caps for the defense have the least amount of protection but the most mobility. 

What to look for in quality lacrosse elbow pads

Adjustable straps

Although the lacrosse elbow pads do come in different sizes, everyone is different. It’s best to have some adjustment and customizable fit to ensure that it’s comfortable and does not slide up and down the arm, leaving it vulnerable to checks. Usually, lacrosse elbow pads have one to three straps to ensure a secure fit.

Hard shells vs. soft shells 

The level of protection needed is most certainly going to depend on the position that you are playing most often. Hard shells offer more protection but it is possible that they will limit mobility. Soft shells offer less protection but maximize mobility. Which design is better depends on the position and the level of protection that you prefer.

Ventilation

Moisture control and ventilation are something to look into when it comes to upgraded versions of lacrosse elbow pads. Without ventilation, there can be added moisture which could lead to discomfort or irritation. Technology in this sport is constantly improving, so there should be some breathability without sacrificing vital protection.

How much you can expect to spend on lacrosse elbow pads

Typically, lacrosse elbow pads can start around $20 for the most basic levels of protection, but more advanced models with better levels of protection, comfort, and ventilation can cost up to $115.

Lacrosse elbow pads FAQ

What other protection is needed for the sport of lacrosse?

A. It depends on the position, but most often players are required to have a stick, mouthguard, and protective eyewear. The goalie, however, is required to wear a helmet with a face mask, a separate throat protector, padded gloves and a chest protector.

How fast can a lacrosse ball fly?

A. It depends on the level of expertise but in youth lacrosse, balls can be thrown as fast as 75 miles per hour. In professional lacrosse, balls can whip at speeds of up to 105 miles per hour.

What are the best lacrosse elbow pads to buy?

Top lacrosse elbow pads

STX Lacrosse Cell 4 Lacrosse Elbow Pads

What you need to know: These pads offer a range of motion without sacrificing mobility. They are great for any lacrosse player playing multiple positions.

What you’ll love: Their new Geoflex II technology is 25% more flexible while remaining lightweight. It has a breathable protection system that allows airflow through the pad to help moisture control. Silicone tape inside the sleeve helps it stay in place.

What you should consider: These lacrosse elbow pads don’t have any adjustable straps for custom comfort.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods

Shop Now

Top lacrosse elbow pads for the money

Brine Lacrosse Clutch Elbow Pads

What you need to know: These lacrosse elbow pads are able to withstand high impacts without limiting mobility, making them great for defensive players. 

What you’ll love: The ventilator stretch sleeve provides flexibility and comfort while keeping dry. Each pad is constructed with grid-flex, making a single-piece design that provides a flexible form fit. The compression-molded foam can take on enhanced impacts and performance.

What you should consider: These pads may not be the best for attacking positions due to their size. There are also no adjustable straps for adjustments to make a custom fit.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Shop Now

Worth checking out

Epoch Integra Lacrosse Arm Guards for Attackmen

What you need to know: The hard shell design makes these pads ideal for attacking players.

What you’ll love: The dual-density foam reduces the amount of stitching needed on the pad, improving flexibility, movement and protection. Each pad has a sandwich locking system, allowing for a custom fit.

What you should consider: These elbow pads may not be the best for defensive players or midfield positions because they could limit mobility. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods

Shop Now

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Alec Welsh writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

The main hopes of Russian sports that we learned about in 2021

Russia is truly rich in young and talented athletes who demonstrate their power to the whole world. Every year this list is updated with new names, and the year 2021 is no exception. Life remembers those who lit up last year and are not going to slow down in the coming.

Arsen Zakharyan

Football player Arsen Zakharyan. Photo © TASS / Oleg Bukharev

The young football player of Dynamo has long been on the pencil of all the leading clubs in the world. The British media included him in the list of the most promising players in the world, but it was not until 2021 that he got his chance. And he took full advantage of it: goals scored, assists and an absolutely fantastic game that surprised everyone. As a result – a call to the Russian team. At the age of 18, it’s quite incredible.

In addition to this, the media regularly write about the interest in Zakharyan from almost all the leading clubs in Europe. Just think about it: Chelsea, Barcelona, ​​Liverpool – and this is not the whole list of possible contenders for Zakharyan. True, while neither Dynamo is going to part with him, nor the footballer himself is going to leave the camp of the blue and white.

You can’t stay away: The main hope of Russian football can go to Europe0003

• win the Russian championship with Dynamo, or at least medals;
• go to the World Cup in Qatar with the Russian team;
• ignite in the international arena.

Kamila Valieva

Figure skater Kamila Valieva. Photo © TASS / Valery Sharifulin

The whole world already knows her name. It seems that absolutely all fans of figure skating were waiting for the day of her start at the adult level. Kamila Valieva burst into a new world for herself at such a speed that no one can stop her for now, and, it seems, in the short term, no one can. She has everything she needs in her arsenal: grace, complex elements and heartbreaking programs (a vivid example is a free program for the immortal “Bolero”).

As a result, in 2021 Valieva tore apart all her rivals at the Grand Prix stages, won the Russian Championship and broke a bunch of world records. And their own. If Alexandra Trusova is a “Russian rocket”, then Valieva can be awarded the nickname “comet”. Now all figure skating fans are waiting for what will happen there in Beijing.

Perfection: 15-year-old Valieva becomes a world figure skating star and is going to beat everyone at the Olympics

Checklist for Valieva for 2022:

• win the Beijing Olympics;
• become world and European champion;
• break a couple more world records.

Vladislava Urazova

Gymnast Vladislava Urazova. Photo © Getty Images / Toru Hanai

While Valieva is breaking world records at the age of 15, gymnast Vladislava Urazova at 17 has the gold of the Tokyo Olympics, the silver of the European Championships and the status of a permanent participant in the largest competitions in the world in her collection of awards. She must have been very upset at the Tokyo Games, when she was just a little short of a medal in the individual all-around.

She is praised not only by numerous fans and experts, but even by her teammates. So, the leader of the Russian national team – Angelina Melnikova – after the finals of the individual all-around, she highly appreciated the abilities of the young Urazova.

– Vlada Urazova is a heroine. She passed the all-around without falling – well done! This is her first Olympic Games – everything is ahead. She loses a lot in terms of difficulty on freestyle, but today she made her maximum of ,” Melnikova told the “Championship”.

Checklist for Urazova for 2022:

• to become a world champion;
• win the European Championship;
• become the new leader of the world gymnastics.

Aslan Karatsev

Tennis player Aslan Karatsev. Photo © TASS / Mikhail Tereshchenko

Yes, many will be surprised, but 28-year-old Aslan Karatsev is not at all superfluous on this list among much younger colleagues. It was 2021 that became a breakthrough year for the native of Vladikavkaz. Yes, he has been on the court for far from the first year (Karatsev made his debut already in 2016 at the Davis Cup), but it was in this that he made a crazy jump up the ATP rating.

Writing history: The Russian team won the Davis Cup for the third time and ended the grand year of our tennis

Just think, in 2020 he was in the second hundred of the world ranking, and now in his first twenty! The semi-finals of the Australian Open, victories in tournaments in Dubai and Moscow, success in doubles, Olympic silver – all this is just a small part of Karatsev’s phenomenal merits. Now he is the elite of not only Russian, but also world tennis, and this is confirmed by the Progress of the Year award from the ATP.

Checklist for Karatsev for 2022:

• win a Grand Slam;
• break into the top 5 of the world ranking;
• to please the fans with new bright victories.

Evgeniya Chikunova

Swimmer Evgeniya Chikunova. Photo © TASS / Stanislav Krasilnikov

The young swimmer has also been in the elite, if not world, then Russian swimming for several years. However, the year 2021 has become a truly breakthrough year for her. 17-year-old Evgenia Chikunova managed to reach a new level and began to take the first international awards at the adult level, which is good news.

So, Chikunova has silver medals at the World Short Course Championships, European Championships in regular and short courses, and gold at the Continental Short Course Forum. Taking into account the fact that Chikunova swims breaststroke, we can safely talk about a worthy change for Yulia Efimova. However, she’s not going anywhere yet. However, Chikunova is already impressive. Let it not work out at the Tokyo Olympics, but she is only 17, which means that everything is ahead.

Breaking their own world records: Russia has a powerful swimming team ahead of the Olympics

Checklist for Chikunova for 2022:

• to take the gold of the World Aquatics Championship;
• break new records, and not only youth ones;
• become a real “queen of Russian swimming”.

Matvey Michkov

Hockey player Matvey Michkov. Photo © TASS / Pyotr Kovalev

17-year-old hockey player Matvey Michkov is a real discovery of this year in Russian and, possibly, world hockey. The SKA striker started playing in the KHL regular season, scored the first goal there and ended up in the Russian national team. And what do you think? The young striker not only took advantage of the chance, but even scored a goal in the Eurotour match against the Swedish team.

Tretiak and Ovechkin left behind: How the new Russian hockey star breaks record after record His signature style is lacrosse goals. If you have never seen what it is, then take a couple of minutes of your time and take a look at this magic. Michkov already has several records that previously belonged not just to anyone, but to Alexander Ovechkin himself. There is every chance that the career of a young native of Perm will be just as bright.

Michkov’s checklist for 2022:

• become a regular player of the Russian national team and win the Beijing Olympics and the World Championship with it;
• win the Gagarin Cup with SKA;
• to be in the NHL and far from the bottom of the draft.

Daniil Khudyakov

Athlete Daniil Khudyakov. Photo © TASS / Anton Novoderezhkin

As often happens in team sports, various disqualifications and injuries of more experienced colleagues help the career of young people. So the 17-year-old goalkeeper of Lokomotiv Daniil Khudyakov this year got his chances only after Guilherme was first red carded and then injured.

By the way, there are almost no questions about the game of a very young goalkeeper. Yes, he still lacks confidence, perhaps, but if necessary, Khudyakov saves. And he managed to play in the Europa League, and in the RPL. As a result, for two months in a row, Lokomotiv fans have recognized Khudyakov as the player of the month. I really want the career of a young goalkeeper to continue as rapidly.

Checklist for Khudyakov for 2022:

• become Lokomotiv’s main goalkeeper;
• to be the best player not only according to the fans;
• grow up to the main Russian team.

Victoria Listunova

Gymnast Victoria Listunova. Photo © Getty Images / Fred Lee

Another young Russian artistic gymnastics star is Victoria Listunova. She is only 16 years old, but she already has decent adult awards. Three gold medals at the Russian Championship in 2021, gold at the European Championship in Basel of the same year and a victory at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in the team all-around.

By the way, she is already calmly ahead of Angelina Melnikova in some types of the program, which means that she may well become the new leader of the team. Moreover, Melnikova speaks flatteringly about her. The main thing for a very young athlete is to follow the same course that she took last year.

Checklist for Listunova for 2022:

• to add victory at the World Championships to the gold of the European Championship and the Olympics;
• win the European Championship again;
• , just like Urazova, to become the new prima of the world artistic gymnastics.

• The State Department expressed the hope that there would be no need to impose sanctions because of Ukraine

  January 4, 2022, 21:23

• The United States refused to discuss the fate of NATO with Russia in Geneva 0019

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Matt Gilroy: “I wore a shell over my shorts as a kid. The coach exclaimed: “Get off the ice”

One of the best shooting guards in the KHL – about the deceased brother, Ovechkin’s best friend and the whistle of eighty thousand fans.

At twenty-four, Matt Gilroy was recognized as the best player in the university league, at twenty-five he went to the World Championship as part of the US team, at thirty he signed a one-year contract with Atlant after five seasons in the NHL and did not change teams in December, when most foreigners left Mytishchi due to the financial crisis. And recently, Matt hit four out of four targets in the KHL Masters Show Shooting Contest.

– You became one of the heroes of the recent All-Star Game. What feelings did you bring back from Sochi?

– I didn’t expect to win this contest. Went there just to have fun. For the first time in my professional career, I participated in the All-Star Game, it was interesting for me to chat with the guys from other teams, Kovalchuk, Volsky and others, to get a little distracted from everyday life. Sochi is a beautiful city, one of the nicest I’ve seen in Russia, and it so happened that I not only shook myself, but also hit four targets on four attempts. I think it helped that I played lacrosse in my backyard as a kid. I have thrown the ball into the net a million times, and the technology of throwing in lacrosse is very similar to what I did in Sochi.

– What did you know about our country before Atlant called you?

Absolutely nothing. Honestly. I came here not knowing what kind of audience there is, what kind of hockey, what kind of life. When Atlant came to me with an offer, I began to consult with my fellow countrymen who played in the KHL – Matt Andersen and Ryan Veske. I was told that in Moscow there are nice people, great restaurants, and in your free time you can do a lot of things, but just don’t get bored. In Russia, I really met wonderful people, especially here in Atlanta – in the first weeks I was surrounded by such care that I could not care about anything, think only about hockey.

– And who is the most wonderful in Atlanta?

– When I first arrived here, I did not leave Andreas Engqvist – he became my closest friend in Russia and remains so even after the exchange with CSKA. Andreas got to Atlant two years earlier than me, studied Moscow and local hockey well and helped me integrate into the team, feel comfortable in it. And my favorite player here is, of course, the Crow.

– Do you mean – Peter Vrana?

– No, Crow – Artem Voronin. A very funny guy. I don’t speak Russian, and he speaks English, but there is always some kind of movement around him, fun. I have no idea what he’s talking about, but he makes me laugh all the time.

– How do you spend your free time here?

– I have an apartment near the arena. There I read or watch American TV shows. To be honest, most often I watch TV shows: Californication with David Duchovny, Friday Night Lights – a series about a football coach from Texas, a very funny series Modern Family – about three related, but dissimilar families. Sometimes I go to Moscow – to have dinner, to walk around Red Square – oh, it is constantly seething, it is always full of people. I like to wander in Moscow to new places, along the central streets, where I have not yet been, and once I took a boat ride along the Moscow River and finally realized what a beautiful city it is. Something like New York. For example, the subway is similar.

– Do you often go down there?

– Not really, but it happens. There is some incredible traffic in Moscow, it scares me, I could never drive a car here. I have a driver, but I don’t always take it, knowing about Moscow traffic jams. I came from New York, which, along with Los Angeles, has the worst traffic in America, but they cannot be compared with what I saw in Moscow.

– What else makes your life in Russia less idyllic?

– Language barrier. Coach Alexei Kudashov and his assistants speak English quite well, but sometimes I want to hang out, have lunch with partners, Russian guys, and this can be difficult. If I stay here next season, I need to take some Russian lessons at home so I can communicate more fluently.

I live near a bus stop and pass by it often. Once a man stopped me and began to ask me something, but I did not know what he wanted and how I could help him. Or another case – I was stuck in an elevator with some people, they started to say something, but I did not understand a word, so I just lowered my head and waited for the elevator to open.

– Maybe they spoke about the standings of Atlanta?

– No, no one here knew me then, besides, my head was hidden by a hood, and it was difficult to see my face.

– Have your relatives been here before?

My fiancée will visit me soon. In general, I have a very large family, in which there are ten children, everyone is now busy with something and cannot find time to come to Russia together. But if I continue to play in the KHL next season, I want to plan a visit from relatives in advance – last summer we simply did not have time for this. My relatives will be interested – many of them are connected with sports.

– Who exactly?

– My father grew up in New York and was a great basketball player for St. John’s varsity team – basketball has always been a big part of my family’s life, my older brother played basketball in high school and college, I still love to play it now for a workout. So, dad entered the Hall of Fame of his university team, he was selected by Philadelphia in the NBA draft, but then his father chose a career on Wall Street. All my life I watched how cheerfully he plays and works, and it inspired me to match him.

My uncle also worked at the Nassau Coliseum, the Islanders arena. We lived two miles from it, so we could call our uncle at any time of the day or night and go there for a ride. We just jumped into the car to our father and he drove us to the skating rink. It was pretty comfortable. And once, when I was six or seven years old, I skated on the same ice with Pat La Fontaine – he was my favorite player then, although I was not a fan of the Islanders.

– And how did Lafontaine end up next to you?

– The Islanders’ training was over, the boys and I went on the ice and saw that Lafontaine did not go with the rest of the players to the locker room, but stayed to work out more. Moreover, he did not drive us away, we did not interfere with him, he even had a little fight with us. I remember that day like it was yesterday.

– Your other idol, as far as I know, was Wayne Gretzky.

– Yes, my brother Timmy and I loved Wayne, but Gretzky’s number 99 was on our kids’ team, so we got 97 and 98. Before we played hockey for the first time, Timmy and I went to a skating lesson – and there is a very funny story connected with this. Mom took us to the skating rink and collected us. It so happened that she did not know (and we – even more so) how to properly put on a shell that protects the groin, and put it on us over our shorts, and not under them. And, I remembered – also the shields on the legs were outside. Can you imagine what we looked like? The coach, seeing us in this form, exclaimed: “Wow, wow, wow, get out of the ice and don’t come back until you dress properly.” And we had no idea how to do it right, but then we somehow guessed.

– How long did you have time to play with Timmy?

– A couple of seasons. And when I was six years old, the three of us went to one game – me, Timmy and my older brother Frankie. It was wonderful – we played in the same three and everyone had “Gilroy” written on the sweater. I will always remember that game.

When Timmy was eight, he was riding his bike down the street – no one saw what happened exactly, but he was found on the pavement with a broken head. A few days later he was gone. He was a little more than a year younger than me and could have done a lot. To console my mother, I promised her on that terrible day that I would play number 9 for the rest of my life.7 – in memory of Timmy. On the teams he was on, I would wear a 9 or 7, and my mom would put the number 97 on the back of my sweater—the same was true on the basketball and lacrosse teams I played for in high school. This custom has survived to this day – entering the locker room before the game, I look at my sweater and remember my younger brother.

– I read that you weren’t allowed to play number 97 at Boston University.

– Yes, there is a rule that no one can have a number higher than 30, but when I told my story to assistant coach Mike Bevis, he promised to help me and convinced head coach Jack Parker that they could make an exception for me and I was able to play number 97.

Mike Bevis understood my feelings well – his twin brother worked as a scout for the Los Angeles Kings and on September 11, 2001, he was on one of the planes that were hijacked by terrorists and sent to the World Trade Center.

That day, my father was also near this shopping center – he was riding the subway to his office, he had one stop left and he saw that the plane crashed into the tower. This is a very sad day – our family has lost many close friends, and dad took a break from work and moved to Massachusetts.

– What is it like to live in such a huge family? (In addition to Timmy and another brother who died shortly after birth, Matt has seven siblings – Sports.ru).

– This is a lot of fun. You are never alone, always in a crowd, always fighting with someone, standing up for someone, chatting with someone. When we sat down to eat together, it was like lunch in the school cafeteria – everyone was constantly shouting and fooling around. There were so many of us that every weekend we had family basketball or video game tournaments. If we wanted to do some other sport, our parents helped us with this, if we needed to improve some school subject, they sat down with us for lessons – I don’t know how they had enough time, but I thank them very much.

– In the Eastern Junior League you played with Nikita Kashirsky, Alexander Ovechkin’s best friend.

– Oh, really, I forgot about that. Where is he now?

– Yes, about the same – in the East Coast League, and last season was a player-coach in Scotland. How do you remember him?

– In the junior league, Nikita played excellently, everything was at an excellent level – skating, throwing. We went out in one link and scored fifty points in a season. I have no idea what prevented him from breaking into the NHL. I remember he dreamed about it very much.

– Why did you choose Boston University?

– And they were the only ones who gave me a chance. I actually used to be a forward, but in order to gain a foothold in the Boston team, I switched to playing defense. When I graduated from high school, I sent a letter and called every team in the US, just every one, but no one answered me – no one cared about me. Then I went to the eastern junior league, showed good performance there, and still got a chance to get into Boston University. I was well aware that hockey is not for life, and it is more important for me to get a good education.

– Was it difficult to combine studies and hockey?

– No, on the contrary, I was glad that I was moving towards my goal – both when I was sitting in the reading room and when I went out onto the ice. I think four years at university are the best years of my life. I got my bachelor’s degree, met all my closest friends there, won a championship, and in 2009 won the NCAA Hockey Player of the Year award. The last game in which we won the championship, and all my relatives were sitting in the stands, is the most vivid memory of the university. We’ve been at this for so long – with my younger brother Kevin, who went to the same university and played in our forward team, and my other partners: Colin Wilson, Kevin Shattenkirk, Chris Higgins, Nick Bonino. I was the oldest player on the team and captained Boston during the championship season.

– Do you remember your NHL dedication when you joined the Rangers?

– Yes, it was in Tampa, at the Ocean Prime restaurant. We had dinner there with the whole team, there was delicious food and a lot of drinks, and I had to pay for everyone. The account turned out to be relatively small, but I still didn’t have that much money on my card. Chris Drury paid for me and when I got home I had to write him a check, but I couldn’t afford that either. But it was still fun. My childhood dream was to get into the NHL, because in the area where I grew up, everyone just raved about hockey after the Islanders won the Stanley Cup four times in a row, so even the lack of money did not spoil my first weeks in the NHL.

– Did the lack of money in Atlanta spoil your first weeks in the KHL?

– No, everything is ok. Nothing distracts me from the fight for a place in the playoffs.

– After your debut season in the NHL, you went with Team USA to the World Championship. Interesting experience?

– A very unusual and disturbing experience, I would say. We played our first game against Germany at the football stadium in Gelsenkirchen. It was indescribable. At that match, the world hockey attendance record was broken. When we got on the ice, we were booed, but for the first time in my life I liked it – never before had eighty thousand people booed me. The fans cheered in a completely different way than in America – very amicably and passionately. This situation energized me perfectly, then, it seems, I became one of the best scorers of the national team, but as a team, we, alas, failed.

– Is it true that Alexey Nikiforov was your first coach?

– He is not the first, one of the first, but the most important. In Lithuania, Nikiforov trained Zubrus and Kasparaitis, and in Long Island – me, Mike Komisarek, Chris Higgins, Eric Nystrom, the same Ryan Veske. Alexei studied in Moscow at the Tarasov coaching school and in the summer many Russian hockey players came to Long Island to see him – for example, at the age of ten I found myself on the same ice with Alexei Zhamnov, who is now the general manager of my Atlant.

I owe all my hockey skills to Nikiforov. When I first saw him, he didn’t speak English very well and just skated around the ice. I told my dad that I didn’t understand this coach, to which my father replied: “Just do the same as him.