What are the best lacrosse heads for defensive players. How do defensive lacrosse heads differ from offensive ones. Which features should you look for in a defensive lacrosse head. How do manufacturers design heads specifically for defensemen and LSMs.
Understanding Defensive Lacrosse Heads: Key Features and Benefits
Defensive lacrosse heads play a crucial role in a player’s ability to perform effectively on the field. These specialized heads are designed with specific features that cater to the unique demands of defensive and long-stick midfield (LSM) positions. Understanding these features is essential for players looking to optimize their defensive game.
Stiffness and Durability
One of the primary characteristics of defensive lacrosse heads is their increased stiffness and durability compared to offensive heads. This enhanced rigidity serves several purposes:
- Improved checking ability: Stiffer heads allow for more powerful and accurate checks.
- Better groundball control: A rigid structure helps scoop up loose balls more effectively.
- Increased longevity: Defensive heads are built to withstand the constant impact of checks and physical play.
Face Shape and Sidewall Design
Defensive heads typically feature a wider face shape and reinforced sidewalls. These design elements contribute to:
- Expanded catching surface: A wider face makes it easier to intercept passes and control the ball.
- Enhanced ball retention: Reinforced sidewalls help keep the ball secure during possession.
- Improved throwing accuracy: The wider shape allows for more consistent releases when clearing the ball.
Top Defensive Lacrosse Heads: A Comprehensive Review
To help players make informed decisions, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best defensive lacrosse heads currently available on the market. Each of these heads offers unique features tailored to defensive play.
1. STX Hammer 900
The STX Hammer 900 is a popular choice among defensemen and LSMs. Its key features include:
- Maximum stiffness for powerful checks
- Asymmetrical design for improved ball control
- Reinforced throat for added durability
Players particularly appreciate the Hammer 900’s ability to maintain its shape even after repeated impacts, ensuring consistent performance throughout the season.
2. Maverik Tank 2
The Maverik Tank 2 is designed specifically for elite-level defensive players. Notable features include:
- Wide face shape for increased ball interception
- Stiff construction for aggressive checking
- Optimized string hole placement for customized pocket setups
Many players praise the Tank 2 for its balance of strength and weight, allowing for quick stick movements without sacrificing durability.
3. ECD Rebel Defense
The ECD Rebel Defense head combines modern design with traditional defensive principles. Key attributes include:
- Flex Memory material for consistent performance
- Strategically placed bracing for added stiffness
- Multiple stringing holes for versatile pocket options
Users often highlight the Rebel Defense’s ability to provide a great balance between stiffness for checking and flexibility for ball control.
Choosing the Right Defensive Head: Factors to Consider
When selecting a defensive lacrosse head, players should take into account several factors to ensure they find the best fit for their playing style and needs.
Playing Style and Position
Are you primarily a close defenseman or an LSM? Your specific position and playing style can influence the type of head that will work best for you. Close defensemen may prioritize maximum stiffness for aggressive checking, while LSMs might prefer a slightly more versatile head that allows for quicker transitions.
League Regulations
Is the head compliant with your league’s rules? Different leagues and age groups may have specific regulations regarding head dimensions and specifications. Always check that your chosen head meets the requirements for your level of play.
Personal Preferences
Do you prefer a wider or narrower face shape? How much weight are you comfortable with? Consider your personal preferences in terms of feel, weight, and overall design when making your selection.
Maintenance and Care for Defensive Lacrosse Heads
Proper maintenance of your defensive lacrosse head can significantly extend its lifespan and ensure consistent performance. Here are some essential care tips:
- Regular cleaning: Rinse your head with water after each use to remove dirt and debris.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Don’t leave your stick in hot cars or cold environments, as this can affect the head’s shape.
- Proper storage: Store your stick in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Periodic inspection: Regularly check for cracks or signs of wear, especially after intense games or practices.
- Restring as needed: Replace worn-out strings and shooting laces to maintain optimal pocket performance.
The Evolution of Defensive Lacrosse Head Design
The design of defensive lacrosse heads has come a long way over the years, with manufacturers continuously innovating to meet the changing demands of the game.
Early Designs
In the early days of lacrosse, defensive heads were often simply larger versions of offensive heads. They lacked the specialized features we see today and were primarily focused on providing a wider catching surface.
Modern Innovations
Today’s defensive heads incorporate advanced materials and design techniques to enhance performance. Some notable innovations include:
- Tactical flex points for improved ball control
- Strategically placed reinforcements for targeted stiffness
- Optimized string hole patterns for customized pocket configurations
- Lightweight yet durable materials for improved maneuverability
Customizing Your Defensive Lacrosse Head
While the head itself is crucial, customization can take your defensive game to the next level. Here are some ways to personalize your defensive lacrosse head:
Stringing Techniques
Experiment with different stringing patterns to find the perfect balance between hold and release. Some popular options for defensive heads include:
- Traditional pockets for maximum hold and feel
- Mid-high pockets for a blend of control and quick release
- Mesh pockets for consistency in various weather conditions
Tape and Grip Enhancements
Adding tape or grip materials to strategic points on your head can improve ball control and provide a unique feel. Consider experimenting with:
- Friction tape on the sidewalls for added grip during checks
- Rubber grip strips along the scoop for improved ground ball pickup
- Customized tape patterns for a personalized look and feel
The Impact of Defensive Heads on Team Strategy
The choice of defensive lacrosse heads can have a significant impact on a team’s overall defensive strategy. Coaches and players should consider how different head designs can complement various defensive schemes.
Aggressive Checking Styles
Teams that emphasize aggressive checking and physical play may benefit from heads with maximum stiffness and durability. These heads allow defenders to apply consistent pressure and disrupt offensive possessions effectively.
Transitional Defense
For teams that prioritize quick transitions from defense to offense, heads with a balance of stiffness and maneuverability are crucial. LSMs, in particular, benefit from heads that allow for both solid defensive play and accurate passing in transition situations.
Zone Defense Strategies
In zone defense setups, where intercepting passes is a key component, heads with wider faces and optimized string holes for larger pockets can be advantageous. These features enhance a player’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and control loose balls.
Future Trends in Defensive Lacrosse Head Design
As the sport of lacrosse continues to evolve, so too will the design of defensive heads. Some potential future trends to watch for include:
Advanced Materials
Manufacturers are likely to explore new composite materials that offer even better combinations of strength, flexibility, and lightweight properties. These materials could revolutionize head design, allowing for unprecedented performance characteristics.
Customization Technologies
3D printing and other advanced manufacturing techniques may enable players to create fully customized heads tailored to their specific playing style and physical attributes. This level of personalization could lead to significant performance improvements for individual players.
Smart Technology Integration
As sports technology advances, we may see the integration of smart features into lacrosse heads. This could include sensors that provide data on checking force, ball retention time, or even suggest optimal stringing patterns based on a player’s performance metrics.
The world of defensive lacrosse heads is dynamic and ever-changing. As players and coaches continue to push the boundaries of the game, manufacturers will undoubtedly respond with innovative designs that enhance performance, durability, and player experience. By staying informed about the latest developments and understanding the key features that contribute to effective defensive play, players can make informed decisions when selecting their equipment and continuously improve their game on the field.
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Central Regional’s Lewis Displays Athletic, Academic Prowess
Hannah Lewis advances the ball toward the goal for the Central Regional High School Golden Eagles.
(Photo courtesy Mike Franco)
BERKELEY – Put a lacrosse stick in Hannah Lewis’ hands and there’s excellence.
Put a soccer ball at her feet and there’s excellence.
Put a football in her hands and there’s excellence.
Put a textbook in front of her and there’s excellence.
Put a computer in front of her and there’s excellence.
By now, you probably get the idea – the recent Central Regional High School graduate is excellent in all that she does.
Take lacrosse for example.
All the attack did was turn the Golden Eagles’ record book into her biography, setting school records in career points (353), single-season points (123), career goals (320), single-season goals (110), single-season ground balls (98), career ground balls (260), single-season draw controls (108) and career draw controls (289).
As a senior, she added 13 assists, 87 ground balls, 90 draw controls and 39 forced turnovers. Lewis, whose freshman season was lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, played three varsity seasons.
She capped her career with Shore Conference Class A South Player of the Year, first-team All-Ocean County, first-team All-Shore and third-team All-Group IV honors.
Take soccer for another example.
Hannah Lewis (7) was one of the Shore Conference’s top soccer players for the Central Regional Golden Eagles. (Photo courtesy Mike Franco)
She erupted for a Shore Conference high 23 goals and added three assists as a senior. She was named the Class A South Player of the Year, the Ocean County Player of the Year, first-team All-Shore, first-team Class A South, first-team All-Ocean County, third-team All-Group IV and among the top 20 players in the Central Region of New Jersey. And she was honored as the Golden Eagles’ Most Valuable Player.
And for yet another example, she earned All-Shore honors, starring at quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back as a member of her school’s first-year club flag football team. She tossed three touchdown passes, caught eight touchdown passes and made four interceptions./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48624703/20140215_ML_037_ZL.0.jpg)
Lewis excelled in lacrosse and flag football although the sports were played simultaneously during the spring.
Despite keeping a pace that would exhaust an Olympic marathon champion, Lewis starred in the classroom as she was a member of the National Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, the Science Honor Society, the English Honor Society and the History Honor Society as a sophomore, junior and senior.
During her senior year, Lewis was enrolled in Advanced Placement psychology, Advanced Placement literature, Honors calculus, Honors anatomy and Honors physiology, physical education, nutrition and sports performance and history through sports. She was a volunteer at the New Beginnings Church as an eighth-grader and freshman, working with children ages 3-12.
“I managed to do well both in the classroom and on the field by maintaining a healthy balance between my studies and training,” Lewis said. “I take school very seriously and always put academics first.
However, my constant drive to complete assignments without procrastination allowed me to have more time and freedom to train and also focus on athletics. Doing well in the classroom and on the field was definitely tough, but staying focused and constantly working hard helped me see success in both areas.”
Lewis began her day around 4:30 a.m.
“I managed my time by waking up early so that I could get in the gym each day before school,” she said. “I was always super busy after school with practices, games and homework. I got my lifts and runs in during early mornings. I developed a lot of strength in the gym. I am mentally tough when it comes to sports.
“My drive to reach my fullest potential has been a huge motivator for me to do well in sports and academics. I yearn to excel and succeed in everything I do and work extremely hard in order to fulfill that.”
Lewis lives by the slogan, “Prove all wrong.” One of her coaches, Lauren Koenig, provided her with the words, which adorn a bracelet she wears.
Koenig presented Lewis with the bracelet as a graduation gift.
Hannah Lewis competes in flag football at the club level for Central Regional. (Photo courtesy Mike Franco)
“It has played a big role in all of my success,” Lewis said. “I wish I had the bracelet with me for my whole career. It’s a good reminder to have – to never let others bring me down. She never let me doubt myself. She always gave me confidence. She always had my back.”
Central lacrosse coach Cayla Linfante is impressed with Lewis’ mental makeup.
“Hannah is so successful because she is determined and works hard toward achieving her goals,” Linfante said. “She sees either a challenge or an obstacle and rises to the challenge. She continues to perfect her craft and works hard during the offseason.”
“I am never scared to take on a challenge,” Lewis said. “I don’t let obstacles hold me back. No matter the deficit, I always have a positive attitude and a positive mindset.”
Lewis brings several athletic gifts to lacrosse.
“Her natural athletic ability is a huge advantage,” Linfante said. “She brings skill, speed, quick footwork and vision for the next play and goal.”
“My strength is the way I read the field,” Lewis said. “I am always thinking. I try to be creative. I work hard at ripping the ball from the outside to the eight-meter line. I usually put it in the net. I also work hard on dodging. Lacrosse is my favorite sport. I love the game and the people around me. It’s a good environment.”
The 5-foot-11 Lewis puts her height to good use.
“Her length creates opportunities and puts her in a good position to attack on the field from either the draw or on defense,” Linfante said. “Her long extension forced many turnovers and draw controls throughout her career.”
A 150-pounder, Lewis attracted plenty of company from defenders.
“She faced many double teams,” Linfante said. “She was also face guarded. Hannah took it as a challenge and kept fighting for the ball and a shot on goal.
”
While serving as an opposing coach. Linfante saw Lewis play for the first time during her sophomore season.
“I noticed how greatly skilled, athletic and knowledgeable she was of lacrosse,” Linfante said. “Since I have known Hannah, she has grown into a blossoming young woman and athlete. Her desire to always want to be better and improve her game and herself is the growth you want to see in a high school athlete. She took charge during her senior year and paved the way for her teammates.”
Lewis displayed strong leadership.
Recent Central Regional High School graduate Hannah Lewis signs her National Letter of Intent to play women’s lacrosse at James Madison University. Observing from left to right are her dad, Allan Lewis; brother, Addison Lewis; and mother, Jennifer Lewis. (Photo courtesy Central Regional School District)
“She is competitive by nature,” Linfante said. “She is a natural leader and athlete who is always looking to improve her game and herself.
Her competitive spirit does not interfere with the compassionate and supportive nature she brings to the people around her. She always looks to go above and beyond to be nice to her teammates and peers and be a role model. She is always looking to give pointers to her younger, learning teammates. She helps direct and put her teammates in good positions to be successful.”
Lewis will be missed.
“The legacy she leaves is her love of the sport, her desire to be great and the support of her teammates,” Linfante said. “Her leadership, compassion and drive will be greatly missed on and off the field.”
“I am glad I was able to bring a good name to Central lacrosse,” Lewis said. “I am glad I was able to inspire other girls to try playing it. There is no feeder program here. I am sure there are a ton of girls who will love it if they try playing it.”
The Golden Eagles won a program record 16 games and lost four during Lewis’ senior season. Lewis, senior middie Riley Coltenback and senior goalie Evelyn Rauscher captained the team, second in Class A South at 6-1 in 2022.
“It’s the record that I am most proud of,” Lewis said. “It shows that our work paid off. We all played for each other. We all worked for the same goal – to put Central on the map. There was a ton of chaos. A lot of us were not big lacrosse players but we all contributed in our own ways. At times, it was a little bit messy, but it all worked out.”
“Hannah’s drive to win really pushed her teammates to want the same outcome as well,” Linfante said.
Lewis said she enjoyed playing for Linfante.
“I loved playing for her,” Lewis said. “She is a very intense and very driven coach. She had our best interests in mind. We butted heads quite a bit, but she taught me how to persevere and stay determined. She constantly wanted us working hard. If we did not play our ‘A’ game, she told us to wake up. If not for her telling us to work hard, I don’t feel we would have had the success that we had.”
Recruited as an attack, Lewis will continue her career at James Madison University, winner of the NCAA Division I Tournament in 2018.
She chose the Dukes over Rutgers University, the University of Connecticut, Boston University, Stanford University and Hofstra University.
“Prior to the recruiting process, I had no idea what JMU was,” said Lewis, who will study kinesiology. “The recruiting process began during my junior year and I noticed that the coach (Shelley Klaes, who guided the Dukes to the national title), had a ton of energy. I spoke to the coaching staff and the team and visited the campus (in Harrisonburg,Va.) and fell in love with it.
“Signing my National Letter of Intent was crazy. It was such a feeling of accomplishment as I knew that all of my hard work paid off. Everything fell into place after years of hard work. It was a really great feeling.”
The collegiate game features a 90-second shot clock.
“I have to get used to the college level and speed of play,” Lewis said. “The college game is way faster than the high school game because of the shot clock. In high school, there is no shot clock.
You can hold the ball for five minutes if you want to before shooting it at the goal.”
Lewis was one of 10 JMU signees. She’s the lone signee from New Jersey.
“A crafty lefty that wants to score, Hannah uses her length to make big plays,” Klaes said on the Dukes’ website. “She is passionate about the sport and wants to compete at the highest level.”
Lewis exploded for four hat tricks and seven multi-goal matches during her senior season on the soccer field last fall.
“The key to my success during my senior year was the positive, family-like atmosphere that my coaches (head coach Marykate Sullivan and assistant coach Carly Setaro) created,” Lewis said. “I received support from my family and teammates and constant encouragement and motivation from my coaches. They never let me put my head down. They always supported and pushed me.
Hannah Lewis advances the ball toward the goal for the Central Regional High School Golden Eagles. (Photo courtesy Mike Franco)
“I really have to thank my teammates, family and coaches for helping me reach my fullest potential this past season.
I just genuinely had the most fun high school sports season ever,” she said.
Lewis was chosen the Ocean County Player of the Year by a unanimous vote of the Shore Conference Soccer Coaches Association. She netted three goals as a junior and two goals and two assists as a sophomore.
“It was super crazy leading the Shore Conference in goals because I definitely hadn’t had an established soccer career going into my senior season,” she said. “And this season was so special because I just let myself have fun and in doing so put up some awesome numbers. I helped my team have an incredibly successful season, which was most important to me.
“Everyone on the team was so close with one another. We did psyches before every game and took part in pasta parties before every game. We just all had each other’s backs.”
Sullivan was impressed with Lewis’ play during her senior year.
“She earned this honor as she had an incredible breakout season,” Sullivan said.
“She always demonstrated good sportsmanship and was extremely humble, which made her a perfect candidate for this honor.”
Sullivan said Lewis brought “many” strong points to the field.
“Her overall ability to finish (score) was her strongest,” Sullivan said. “She could strike a ball like no other. The power and accuracy of her shot was something I had never seen before. Even our goalies hated being in the net when she was shooting during practice. She had the ability to slip off defenders, which is extremely difficult to teach. I think lacrosse helped her with that. She was able to slip off defenders to create space for herself and our midfielders were very good at finding her.
“All she needed was a split second to put the ball in the back of the net. She also was a lefty, which made her dangerous as most defenders are taught to force players to the left since the majority are righty. Aside from finishing, she is also very fast and very strong.”
Lewis used her length to best many a defender.
“Her athleticism shined on the soccer field,” Sullivan said. “Her height always gave her an advantage against her defenders. Using her speed, she created many dangerous scoring opportunities and capitalized on the majority of them. She could finish with either foot.”
Lewis, a forward, senior forward Christina Jimenez, junior defender Lindsay Smith and senior goalkeeper Allyson Smith captained the Golden Eagles to their first winning season since 2015.
“Hannah helped put Central soccer back on the map,” Sullivan said. “She also inspired all of the underclassmen and taught them the true meaning of hard work. She began the season as not one of our starting 11 players – crazy, I know. She put in the work every single day at practice until she proved us coaches wrong. When we needed someone to go twice in a drill, it was Hannah who always stepped up. She earned her spot, her confidence soared and she never looked back.
“Hannah will be missed in so many ways. We will miss her leadership both on and off the field.
We will miss her work ethic in practice and making everyone around her better. We will miss her outgoing personality and all the laughs at practices. And of course will we miss her scoring goals out on the field. Our forwards have some very big shoes to fill next season. She was more excited for the successes of her teammates and team more than her own. Hannah is extremely coachable and always looking for ways to improve her game. She is one of the hardest working people I know – both in the classroom and on the soccer field.”
Let’s go back to last August. Lewis had doubts about trying out for the Golden Eagles.
“She told us she wasn’t sure if she wanted to play soccer and was thinking about just being our manager,” Sullivan said. “We are so glad that she changed her mind. She went from wanting to be a manager to becoming the Ocean County Player of the Year. Unbelievable! Us coaches are so proud of her for all that she has accomplished and we can’t wait to see all the big things she’s going to accomplish at JMU.
”
Coming off a knee injury which cost her a large chunk of the preseason, Lewis began her senior year as a second string striker.
“I almost quit the team after our first game of the season,” Lewis said. “Coming off the bench was a huge mental challenge for me as for the past three years I had been a starter, playing most of every game. So the start of the season was definitely a struggle – well, more of a mental battle – for me as I constantly contemplated whether or not I was good enough to represent the program”
Photo courtesy Mike Franco
Turns out that Lewis profited after enduring hard times.
“The challenge aided my growth as a soccer player and athlete,” she said. “It pushed me to work hard and earn a starting berth, which I did and fortunately enough was able to have the best season I could have ever asked for. Not only did this obstacle of earning a starting spot help me improve from my junior year to my senior year … my coaches definitely helped me improve just by being so positive and supportive and creating a positive environment.
”
Central flag football coach Billy Kvalheim said it did not take Lewis long to excel.
“She picked up on things very quickly,” he said. “Lacrosse took priority because it is a varsity sport, but she was a game changer when she was able to get here. She attacked the ball as a defender and was athletic enough to throw and catch the ball. She was very coachable. She was positive with her teammates and a great role model for the younger girls on the team. My wife was her head coach in lacrosse at Central for two years and she always said how coachable and athletic Hannah was. It’s a blessing that I had the opportunity to coach Hannah Lewis.
“Hannah will go down as one of the best athletes to come through Central Regional High School. She loves competing and gives back to the community. She is a positive influence on everybody she is around.”
Ranked in the top three percent of her class, Lewis graduated with a 104.3 grade point average.
Lewis enjoys surfing at Lavallette and Seaside Heights and on Long Beach Island.
“It’s an outlet for me to relax and have fun,” she said. “There’s no pressure when I am surfing and while I feel that I thrive under pressure it’s soothing to have a hobby just for fun!”
“That’s humiliating.” The NHL proposes to ban the beating of league superstars At the end of the meeting, a mass brawl broke out on the ice, and the reaction to it turned out to be ambiguous: while the commentators of the meeting frankly urged the “coyotes” to beat their opponents, the star of the “ducks” attacked the brawlers with criticism.
Should hockey players be banned from beating their star colleagues?
“Ducks” dominated, but were beaten
Although both Arizona and Anaheim have already said goodbye to playoff chances, the teams still want to finish the season with dignity. But the match between the two outsiders turned out to be one wicket: the “ducks” almost doubled the opponent, sending five goals into the goal. The third goal turned out to be especially beautiful by one of the most skillful players in the league, Trevor Zegras.
Once again in the season, he scored a lacrosse goal by placing the puck outside the goal on the hook of the stick and literally bringing it into the upper corner of the goal.
Trevor Zegras / Photo: © REUTERS/David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The Ducks had a rout by the middle of the third period, and then something happened on the ice that is not surprising in modern hockey: Arizona, having lost all chances of winning, started a fight.
First, Coyotes forward Jay Beagle hit Zegras in the back of his goalie, who was trying to get the puck into the net. Then, Anaheim forward Troy Terry blew up to protect the young genius, whom the Beagle immediately grabbed in an armful and began to inflict powerful blows on him. Terry, who is significantly inferior to his opponent in height and weight, at that moment did not defend himself and did not even throw off his gloves, but silently accepted the blows, leaning lower and lower after each next one. In the end, he fell on the ice, and the judges separated him from the Beagle.
But he clearly did not have enough time to quench his aggression – the Arizona forward grabbed the first Zegras he came across, then hooked another Anaheim player by the sweater until the referee literally hugged him to finally calm him down.
Fighter or coward?
Fighting underdogs usually has two goals – to recoup the opponent for failure and to inspire their partners to turn the tide. There was no comeback for the Coyotes with a score of 0:5 three minutes before the end. Therefore, the star of the “Ducks” Zegras after the match literally fell upon an aggressive opponent:
“I knew right away that he was going to hit Terry,” he said. – Hit, maybe once. But the fact that Terry was on the ice and did not respond to the pokes in any way … And after that he hit him three more times! It’s just a shame. Okay, you want to hit me from behind, okay. But hitting a hockey player who doesn’t fight back… Especially an NHL superstar with 31 goals in a season.
It’s humiliating. The NHL must express its position. Because it is the league that looks bad in this situation. A player who does this should be punished.
“He’s just a coward,” Anaheim coach Dallas Eakins summed up, speaking of the Beagle. “Terry was defenseless. In four years I have never seen him get into a fight. He has 31 goals and is finished off by a guy with two goals. It all looks very bad.
A heated discussion immediately began on social networks about who was right and who was wrong in this situation: did the Beagle really cross the line? Or does Zegras, who criticizes him, not understand that fights are as much a part of hockey as beautiful goals?
Hit everyone or hit no one
On the one hand, with the rise of Zegras in the NHL, hockey really changed. With his incredibly skillful technique, he showed that the modern game has not yet reached the ceiling – you can not only make the lacrosse goal something familiar, but also implement much more complex ideas, if there is desire and skill.
In the view of such hockey players, fights are probably something outdated, destructive, of no practical use in the game. Especially if their goal is to injure an opponent who cannot really answer.
From this point of view, and in many ways, from the usual, human point of view, the fight between Beagle and Terry was really a beating. But before anyone else, the referees should have understood this, who could not separate the rivals in time.
On the other hand, pushing the limits of hockey, modern players should always remember about the power side of the game. Dirty tricks, stealth strikes, or regular fights are the standard villainous set of those who lose. And to expect nobility from a team flying with a score of 0:5 is at least strange. Approximately the same thought was expressed by Arizona television commentators of the meeting during the fight, trying to justify fellow countrymen:
– This is the problem with these young players. Do you want to embarrass the guys? Show off your skills? Well then, get ready to get in the face.
Views on the situation were divided: adherents of “classic” hockey did not see any violations on the part of the Beagle, and fans of “smart” called for an end to outright violence on the ice. Only one thing is unequivocally clear: the fight can be too tough, and the fight can be unequal, but the number of goals scored by Terry, mentioned by both the teammate and the coach, has nothing to do with this situation. Regardless of how many goals one of the participants in the fight has, it does not become more or less fair.
According to the unspoken hockey rules, the protection of the stars on the ice is the work of the partners, who in this case, for some reason, did not stand up for Terry. Therefore, it is more logical to appeal to the Anaheim players in this situation, and not to the NHL. However, the “ducks” have already received the reaction of the league: the NHL security department did not consider the episode from the point of view of a possible violation.
See also:
- Anaheim breaks 11-game streak without a win by defeating Arizona
Michkov scored a lacrosse goal and scored five points, Ak Bars beat Avangard: News
Review of the day
The last matches of the regular season of the 2022/2023 season have ended: Ak Bars beat Avangard in overtime, Sochi defeated Kunlun Red Star thanks to a hat-trick by Artur Tyanulin and five points from Matvey Michkov, and Dynamo Moscow won the derby against Spartak.
5 – 3
Sochi won the last match of the season, Michkov scored five points
3 – 2 OT
Bullitt Radulov in overtime brought Ak Bars victory over Avangard
4 – 2
Spartak ended the season losing in the derby to Dynamo
Sochi won the last match of the season, Michkov scored five points
HC Sochi
Kunlun Red Star
After “0:7” in Nizhnekamsk, the coaching staff of “Kunlun Red Star” shook up almost all combinations. It was mainly the attackers who got it – but in defense, which is surprising after such a defeat, relative stability reigned. Anyway, Greg Ireland only changed the third pair of defenses. Sun Zehao again played in goal.
As for the hosts, in the second link with Artyom Nikolaev and Timur Khafizov played Dmitry Zavgorodniy . Alexander Gordin was again announced as the thirteenth forward, and Mikhail Berdin took the place at the gate.
Outsiders match of the West began with a fast puck by Artur Tyanulin . The Sochi forward opened at the far post and easily turned Matvey Michkov’s pass into a goal.
Soon Michkov distinguished himself – and how he distinguished himself! The young striker scored a lacrosse goal against Kunlun! Before the break, Sochi scored twice more – first Tyanulin made a double, and in the last minute Amir Garaev chalked up another puck.
Kunlun Red Star had only two notable moments in the first period – Colin Campbell’s goal and a fight in which Guo Jiangying defeated Vadim Kudako . After the first period, Sun Zehao lost his place at the gate to Matt Jurusik – but he also could not resist the raging Sochi attack. At the 36th minute of the meeting, Tyanulin scored the first hat-trick in his career.
Even with such an advantage, the third period did not become an easy walk for Sochi – at the start of the third twenty-minute period, the Dragons played two goals at once.
However, the Sochi residents were simply better that evening. The southerners were able to seize the initiative from the opponent and did not allow the “Kunlun” to get closer. 5:3 – Sochi ends the difficult season with a victory.
#Gagarin Cup
- Matvey
- Michkov
- Arthur
- Tyanulin
- Alex
- Rich
Three stars
Matvey Michkov
Scored the winning lacrosse goal, scored 5 (1+4) points
Arthur Tyanulin
First hat-trick of his career
Alex Rich
Helped his team score two goals
Position of the teams before the game
11
HC Sochi
West
30
10
Kunlun RS
West
49
see full table
Position of the teams after the game
11 (0)
HC Sochi
West
32
10 (0)
Kunlun RS
West
49
Dmitry Kokorev, acting Sochi head coach:
– I want to thank the fans for the whole season – yes, there were unsuccessful matches, but the fans came, cheered, we heard them, thank you for your support.As for today’s game, the most important thing was to win, and we did it. We closed this season with a victory and we will prepare for the next one. Five points Michkov? Today, all the first three scored five goals – today we have a hat-trick from Artur Tyanulin, and Matvey scored a lot of points, and Amir Garayev scored points. All three played great. Failed the third period? I wouldn’t say so. We relaxed a bit, but in the end we pulled ourselves together, didn’t give the opponent a chance and brought the matter to victory. The end of the season turned out, the guys heard us, and we are on the right track all together. We will prepare for the next season.
As for today’s game, the most important thing was to win, and we did it. We closed this season with a victory and we will prepare for the next one. Five points Michkov? Today, all the first three scored five goals – today we have a hat-trick from Artur Tyanulin, and Matvey scored a lot of points, and Amir Garayev scored points. All three played great. Failed the third period? I wouldn’t say so. We relaxed a bit, but in the end we pulled ourselves together, didn’t give the opponent a chance and brought the matter to victory. The end of the season turned out, the guys heard us, and we are on the right track all together. We will prepare for the next season.Greg Ireland, Head Coach, Kunlun Red Star:
– It is very difficult to lose in the last match of the season 1:4 at some point, but we must pay tribute to our players, who fought until the last second and tried to score goals, to change the situation. Yes, of course, the last few matches did not turn out the way we planned and wanted, but if you look at the season as a whole, we also had good matches, competitive ones, we were a very stubborn team, not very convenient for some opponents.
In general, I will say that I am pleased with the guys – they are stubborn and always fight for victory. I am proud of them and treat them with great respect. For me, the fact that we did not reach the playoffs is a big defeat. Of course, you always want to get into the playoffs and not end the season so early. This makes it very uncomfortable. On the other hand, in the last 12 matches we shifted the focus to the preparation of the national team, and the guys who will play in April at the World Championships began to have more time on the ice, they continued their development for the World Championships in Estonia. During the season, I had moments when I could extend the contract, but I did not do this at that time, because I want to return home, see my family, talk with my relatives, weigh all the possibilities. My mother is not feeling very well, so I am really looking forward to returning home. I am a free agent, so I will consider all possibilities. And yet, I really enjoyed working with the media, with all the journalists who talked to me.
The KHL is an amazing league, so I will be happy to continue working here.Bullitt Radulov in overtime brought Ak Bars victory over Avangard
Ak Bars
Vanguard
For the last game of the regular season in Kazan, Avangard arrived with a super-experimental squad. Against the conference leader, the hawks took to the ice without all the top 6 forwards, except for Sergey Tolchinsky , without two leading defenders Damir Sharipzyanov and Alexei Bereglazov , as well as the main goalkeeper Vasily Demchenko . At the same time, the match had a direct tournament value for the Omsk team: if they won, they took second place in the East and went to the Admiral in the first round of the Gagarin Cup, the defeat sent the hawks to third position and determined Sibir as rivals.
As for Kazan, they have already booked the first place in the conference for a long time and recognized the opponent in the playoffs, but the hosts of the ice came out against Avangard with an almost optimal line-up.
This game, by the way, was notable for the fact that Roman Shchenev : the most experienced referee ended his long and eventful career as a referee with this match.
Roman Shchenyov: “It’s useless to “rock” the referees of the KHL”
The first period was expectedly with the advantage of the hosts. Ak Bars seized the puck and the initiative from the first seconds and began to regularly check Andrey Mishurov . But the Omsk goalkeeper confidently coped with the shots performed by Dmitry Kagarlitsky , Alexander Radulov and Vyacheslav Voinov , but in general he made 11 rescues in 20 minutes, never missing.
However, Avangard did not sit on the defensive either. Guests did not let bore Timur Bilyalov , who entered the game 8 times during the period, and besides, Omsk had the opportunity to realize the majority. But in the absence of the main leaders, the hawks spent those two minutes rather toothlessly.
The second period turned out to be much more meaningful.
It started again with the attacks of the hosts, but Mishurov acted reliably, and soon the “hawks” opened the scoring in a counterattack. Nail Yakupov and Tolchinsky masterfully took the shot on the move Alexander Dergachev, and he did not miss.
The missed puck irritated Ak Bars even more, and Kazan managed not only to break through Andrey Mishurov’s , but also turn the game around. First, Ilya Safonov punished Avangard defender Alexander Ugolnikov with a brilliant throw for a mistake when leaving the zone. And then Dmitry Kagarlitsky perfectly closed the diagonal of Nikita Lyamkin in a counterattack.
However, the teams still went to the break with an equal score. In the last minute of the segment, the main three Omsk players in this meeting played another cool combination at speed, and Nail Yakupov scored in the second match in a row, taking Sergey Tolchinsky and Dergachev as assistants .
At the beginning of the third period, Ak Bars did not convert the majority, and in equal lineups, a fairly accurate game was played, which is inherent in many third periods in hockey. The episode cheered up the meeting at the 53rd minute: Viktor Svedberg started a fight with Vyacheslav Voinov , knocked the Kazan defender down on the ice with a fist, but at the same time received a heavy fine as an instigator. Ak Bars received a five-minute majority, but could not benefit from this, besides, after three minutes Alexander Radulov demolished Mishurov in the goalkeeper’s area and went to the penalty box himself.
As a result, the teams reached overtime, where Radulov became the main character. He earned a bullet on his own, and then converted it, bringing the Kazan team a victory and completing the Siberian derby in the first round of the Gagarin Cup.
#Gagarin Cup
- Alexander
- Dergachev
- Alexander
- Radulov
- Nail
- Yakupov
Position of the teams before the game
1
Ak Bars
East
89
2
Vanguard
East
85
see full table
Position of the teams after the game
1 (0)
Ak Bars
East
91
3 (-1)
Vanguard
East
86
Mikhail Kravets, Avangard head coach:
– All with the end of the regular season.
It developed differently for both teams, but in the end, both teams took the places they deserved in the game. Today we adhered to the plan, many of the guys who played today were in the cage throughout the season, we tried to connect them. Today they showed their best side, played well and confidently against a strong team, this is very important for us. Good fight. Good speed, good goals, the fans also saw overtime. Satisfied with the match, we return home and prepare for the playoffs. How satisfied are we with the draw? We did not choose, we are happy that we got into the playoffs. We are satisfied that during the regular season we have risen from eleventh place to third, that we have such young guys. As God has given, so we will work. Demchenko? I think that he will be ready for the start of the playoffs, he is already training. How did you react to Radulov’s gesture after the goal? What does he ever do differently? Always passes by the bench. We are happy for him that he scored a goal, well done, let him score further, this is his job.
Zinetula Bilyaletdinov, Ak Bars head coach:
– The fighting game turned out, both teams tuned in to this match. The opponent created a lot of sharp moments, exposed some of our problems that we need to solve. Useful, good game. The result of the regular season? I think that since we finished it at such a level, the guys did well, withstood the stress, although there were very difficult moments. Was there a desire to save the leaders today? No, on the contrary, this match was very useful for us, it went at a good pace, in a fighting spirit. The opponent played quite aggressively, which is good for us. I don’t think we should have done differently. Someone very simply assesses the situation with the fact that we went to Neftekhimik in the first round. But I think there will be matches like today. You have to be ready with your head and body, play correctly and disciplined, convert your chances. We must not think that it is close for us to travel to Nizhnekamsk.
This is the playoffs, we must seriously prepare for the opponent.Spartak ended the season losing to Dynamo in the derby
Dynamo M
Spartak
If Minskers hadn’t beat Vityaz yesterday, today’s match against Dynamo Moscow would have been the most important of the season for Spartak. But now they had no chance of participating in the Gagarin Cup, and the meeting turned into a formality. It remained only to hope for the status of the derby, plus the likely desire to end the championship on at least partly positive note.
From the very beginning, it became clear that the white-and-blue guests could not count on “help” in this matter: Ivan Efremov opened the scoring already in the third minute. In the second half of the period Roman Starchenko treated Andrey Pribylsky not like a gentleman, for which he earned a removal until the end of the match, and left his team in the minority for five minutes, and Alexander Skorenov scored the second goal.
In the first minute of the second segment Andrey Mironov brought the score to 3:0, and the intrigue seemed to have finally disappeared – especially since the game advantage was entirely on the side of the hosts. But then Alexey Potapov exactly repeated Starchenko’s misconduct, and with almost the same consequences. The only difference was that the five-minute minority of the blue and white survived, and got an own goal when the lineups had already leveled off. It was scored by Dynamo pupil Nikita Chibrikov , 12 seconds before the second break.
And the third period began with a goal Vadim Fattakhov , who, while the partners went to change, in splendid isolation went on a counterattack for four, not counting Ilya Konovalov , rivals, and from a negative angle celebrated his debut in the KHL with the first puck.
The guests perked up, but they were cooled down by Egor Zaitsev , who distinguished himself, in general, with the connivance of Spartak’s defenders.
