Best lacrosse team. Top 10 Greatest Lacrosse Players of All Time: Legends Who Shaped the Sport

Who are considered the best lacrosse players in history. What skills and achievements set these athletes apart. How did these legends impact the development of lacrosse as a sport. Which players revolutionized lacrosse techniques and strategies.

The Evolution of Lacrosse: From Native American Origins to Modern Sport

Lacrosse, one of North America’s oldest organized sports, has a rich history dating back to Native American tribes. This fast-paced game combines elements of skill, strategy, and physical prowess, making it a thrilling spectacle for fans and players alike. As the sport has evolved, certain athletes have risen above the rest, showcasing exceptional talent and leaving an indelible mark on the game.

The sport demands a unique combination of athleticism, finesse, and teamwork. Players must excel in various positions, including attackmen, midfielders, defensemen, and goalies, each requiring specific skills and attributes. The greatest lacrosse players of all time have not only mastered their individual roles but have also elevated the overall level of play through their innovative techniques and strategies.

Gary Gait: The Undisputed King of Lacrosse

At the pinnacle of lacrosse greatness stands Gary Gait, a legendary Canadian player widely regarded as the best to ever grace the field. Gait’s impact on the sport is immeasurable, with a career spanning from 1987 to 2006 that set new standards for excellence.

What made Gary Gait such an exceptional player? His achievements speak volumes:

• Six-time National Lacrosse League (NLL) Most Valuable Player
• Two-time recipient of the NLL Sportsmanship Award
• Innovative playing style that revolutionized offensive strategies
• Unparalleled scoring ability and field vision

Gait’s influence extends beyond his playing career, as he has continued to shape the sport through coaching and mentoring young talent. His legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring lacrosse players worldwide.

Brodie Merrill: The Defensive Dynamo

While offensive players often grab the spotlight, defensive specialists like Brodie Merrill have proven equally crucial to lacrosse success. Merrill, another Canadian standout, has redefined the role of a defensive midfielder in modern lacrosse.

How did Brodie Merrill impact the game? Consider these factors:

• Exceptional versatility, excelling in both offensive and defensive roles
• Unmatched ability to control the transition game
• Multiple-time winner of the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Defensive Player of the Year award
• Respected leader and strategist on the field

Merrill’s contributions have elevated the importance of two-way midfielders in lacrosse, showcasing how defensive prowess can be a game-changing asset.

Paul Rabil: The Face of Modern Lacrosse

No discussion of lacrosse greats would be complete without mentioning Paul Rabil, the American star who has become synonymous with the sport’s growth and popularity in the 21st century. Rabil’s impact extends far beyond his on-field accomplishments.

Why is Paul Rabil considered a lacrosse icon? Here are some key reasons:

• Exceptional scoring ability and playmaking skills
• Co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League, revolutionizing professional lacrosse
• Influential ambassador for the sport, expanding its reach globally
• Innovative approach to training and preparation

Rabil’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to growing the game have helped lacrosse reach new heights of popularity and recognition.

Jason Coffman: The Record-Breaking Attacker

Jason Coffman’s career at Salisbury University stands as a testament to his exceptional skill and scoring prowess. His achievements have set benchmarks that continue to challenge modern players.

What makes Jason Coffman’s legacy so impressive? Consider these statistics:

• NCAA’s all-time leading scorer with 451 points
• Four-time First Team All-American (1993-1996)
• Two-time Player of the Year (1994, 1995)
• Career totals of 249 goals and 202 assists

Coffman’s ability to consistently perform at the highest level throughout his college career sets him apart as one of the greatest attackmen in lacrosse history. His records have stood the test of time, even in the era of shot clocks and evolving offensive strategies.

Jim Thorpe: The Multi-Sport Phenomenon

While primarily known for his Olympic achievements and professional careers in football and baseball, Jim Thorpe’s contributions to lacrosse are often overlooked. His exceptional athleticism translated seamlessly to the lacrosse field, where he dominated during his time at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School.

How did Jim Thorpe’s athletic prowess manifest in lacrosse? Consider these factors:

• Unparalleled speed and agility on the field
• Natural scoring ability and field awareness
• Key player in victories over prestigious lacrosse programs like Army, Harvard, and Syracuse
• Helped elevate the profile of lacrosse through his multi-sport fame

Thorpe’s lacrosse career, though brief, showcased the potential for crossover athletes to excel in the sport and helped raise its profile in the early 20th century.

Oren Lyons: Lacrosse Legend and Cultural Icon

Oren Lyons represents a unique blend of athletic excellence and cultural significance in the world of lacrosse. As a member of the Seneca tribe and part of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Lyons brings a deep connection to the sport’s Native American roots.

What makes Oren Lyons’ contributions to lacrosse so significant? Here are key aspects:

• Stellar career as a lacrosse player at Syracuse University
• Advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental issues
• Instrumental in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of lacrosse
• Respected voice in both athletic and academic circles

Lyons’ impact on lacrosse extends far beyond his playing days, as he continues to be a powerful ambassador for the sport and its cultural significance.

John Grant Sr. and Jr.: A Lacrosse Dynasty

The Grant family has left an indelible mark on lacrosse history, with both John Grant Sr. and John Grant Jr. achieving greatness in their respective eras. This father-son duo represents the evolution of the sport across generations.

How have the Grants influenced lacrosse over the years?

John Grant Sr.

• Star player for the original Philadelphia Wings
• Dominant force in the Ontario Lacrosse Association
• Pioneered aggressive offensive strategies

John Grant Jr.

• Successful career in Major League Lacrosse and National Lacrosse League
• Known for innovative shooting techniques and creative playmaking
• Transitioned to coaching, sharing knowledge with new generations

The Grants’ combined legacy spans decades and has significantly influenced the way lacrosse is played at the highest levels.

The Impact of Lacrosse Legends on the Sport’s Evolution

As we reflect on the greatest lacrosse players of all time, it’s clear that their influence extends far beyond individual statistics and accolades. These legends have shaped the very fabric of the sport, introducing new techniques, strategies, and levels of athleticism that continue to inspire players today.

How have these lacrosse greats contributed to the sport’s development?

• Innovating playing styles and techniques
• Elevating the level of competition across all positions
• Expanding the sport’s popularity and global reach
• Preserving and honoring lacrosse’s cultural heritage
• Mentoring and developing future generations of players

The legacy of these exceptional athletes serves as a foundation for the continued growth and evolution of lacrosse. As the sport gains popularity worldwide, new stars emerge, building upon the groundwork laid by these legendary figures.

The Future of Lacrosse: Building on a Legacy of Greatness

As lacrosse continues to evolve and gain popularity, the accomplishments of its greatest players serve as both inspiration and challenge for emerging talent. The sport’s rich history, combined with modern innovations in training, equipment, and strategy, sets the stage for future generations to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the lacrosse field.

What can we expect from the next generation of lacrosse greats?

• Increased athleticism and conditioning
• Further specialization in positional skills
• Integration of advanced analytics and technology in training and gameplay
• Expansion of professional leagues and international competition
• Greater emphasis on multi-dimensional players who excel in various aspects of the game

As the sport continues to grow, it’s likely that new records will be set, innovative techniques will be developed, and the definition of greatness in lacrosse will continue to evolve. However, the foundational skills, dedication, and passion demonstrated by the legends discussed here will always remain central to success in this dynamic and exciting sport.

Celebrating Diversity in Lacrosse Excellence

One of the most striking aspects of our list of lacrosse greats is the diversity of backgrounds, playing styles, and eras represented. From Native American pioneers to modern-day superstars, the sport has been shaped by a rich tapestry of influences.

How does this diversity contribute to the sport’s appeal and growth?

• Showcases the universal appeal of lacrosse across cultures and generations
• Demonstrates the various paths to success in the sport
• Encourages a wide range of athletes to pursue lacrosse at the highest levels
• Promotes inclusivity and representation within the lacrosse community
• Fosters innovation through the blending of different playing styles and techniques

By celebrating this diversity, lacrosse continues to evolve as a truly global sport, attracting talent from all walks of life and pushing the boundaries of athletic achievement.

The Role of Lacrosse Legends in Growing the Sport

Beyond their on-field accomplishments, many of the greatest lacrosse players have taken active roles in promoting and developing the sport. Their efforts have been crucial in expanding lacrosse’s reach and securing its future.

How have lacrosse legends contributed to the sport’s growth off the field?

• Establishing youth development programs and camps
• Advocating for the inclusion of lacrosse in schools and colleges
• Participating in international exhibitions and clinics
• Leveraging their fame to attract media attention and sponsorships
• Investing in professional leagues and tournaments

These efforts have helped create a sustainable ecosystem for lacrosse, ensuring that future generations will have opportunities to excel in the sport and potentially join the ranks of its greatest players.

Analyzing the Traits of Lacrosse Greatness

While each of the players discussed brings unique strengths to the game, there are common traits that unite these lacrosse legends. Understanding these characteristics can provide valuable insights for aspiring players and fans alike.

What qualities define the greatest lacrosse players of all time?

• Exceptional physical fitness and athleticism
• High lacrosse IQ and strategic thinking
• Versatility and adaptability on the field
• Strong leadership skills and team-first mentality
• Innovative approach to training and skill development
• Mental toughness and competitiveness
• Passion for the sport and dedication to continuous improvement

By embodying these traits, the legends of lacrosse have not only achieved personal success but have also raised the overall standard of play in the sport.

The Enduring Legacy of Lacrosse’s Greatest Players

As we conclude our exploration of the top lacrosse players in history, it’s clear that their impact extends far beyond statistics and championships. These athletes have shaped the very essence of the sport, inspiring generations of players and fans with their skill, innovation, and passion.

From Gary Gait’s revolutionary offensive techniques to Oren Lyons’ cultural stewardship, each player has contributed uniquely to lacrosse’s rich tapestry. The diversity of playing styles, backgrounds, and eras represented in this list showcases the sport’s universal appeal and potential for growth.

As lacrosse continues to evolve and gain popularity worldwide, the legacies of these great players serve as both a foundation and a challenge. They remind us of the sport’s deep cultural roots while inspiring new generations to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the lacrosse field.

The greatest lacrosse players of all time have not only excelled as athletes but have also become ambassadors, innovators, and guardians of the sport. Their collective impact ensures that lacrosse will continue to thrive, attracting new talent and captivating fans for generations to come.

As we look to the future of lacrosse, we can be certain that new stars will emerge, records will be broken, and the definition of greatness will continue to evolve. However, the fundamental skills, dedication, and passion demonstrated by these legends will always remain at the heart of what makes lacrosse such a compelling and exciting sport.

Top 10 Greatest Lacrosse Players of All Time

Legendary Canadian Hall of Famer, Gary Gait, is widely considered the greatest lacrosse player the world has ever seen. He achieved the NLL Sportsmanship Award twice, and the NLL MVP award a record six times in his career spreading between 1987 and 2006. His fellow Canadian player Brodie Merrill and legendary American star Paul Rabil also deserve their mentions among the greatest lacrosse players of all time.

Lacrosse is one of the oldest organized sports in North America. The sport is known for its teamwork and aggression. The gameplay of the game is super thrilling, which excites the fans. The players of the sport are known for their toughness.

The attackmen, midfielders, defensemen, and goalie of the team put their total effort into winning. Here we listed the greatest Lacrosse players of all time. These legends impressed the Lacrosse fans with their exceptional performances and career achievements.

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Greatest Lacrosse Players | All-Time Ranking

Lacrosse is not just one of the most popular sports in the USA but also among the most-played sports in the world. And, here are the greatest players of this game!

10. Jason Coffman – Popular Lacrosse Player

Known for his ability to play with great speed and a keen eye for the net, he was a great player. At Salisbury, he finished his career as the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer with 451. Even as we get deeper into the shot clock era, it doesn’t look like that record will be broken anytime soon.

Salisbury’s Coffman was part of the first two national title-winning teams, in addition to many other personal accomplishments. An attackman, he was named to the first team of the All-American team four times (1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996) and a two-time Player of the Year (1994, 1995).

Aside from career goals of 249, career assists of 202, and single-season points of 126, Coffman sits in the NCAA’s top five in career points. Coffman is also known as one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time because of his remarkable career in the sport.

Coffman’s career, indeed, was one of the greatest in-game history and one of the most underrated. His name should be up there with the other greats of the game in the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame because he has never received the respect or recognition he rightfully deserves.

9. Jim Thorpe – Lacrosse Star

Jim Thorpe won the pentathlon and decathlon in 1912, making him the best athlete of the 20th Century. His gold medals were, however, revoked for some technical reasons. There was later an opinion that it was an injustice to him.

He’s one of the best, but that’s up for debate. His accomplishments and achievements throughout his life speak for themselves.  Thorpe is also among the very few players who played multiple sports during their heydays.

A foremost athlete, Thorpe earned the title “world’s greatest athlete” from King Gustav V. Born on May 28, 1887, in Oklahoma, he played both baseball and football professionally. Acting became a career for him after retirement. It was immediately apparent to him that he possessed athletic ability.

He also set many records while in Carlisle. Furthermore, he was one of the greatest lacrosse players in the country due to his victories over Army, Pittsburgh, Harvard, Penn, Syracuse, and Nebraska.

8. Oren Lyons – Iconic Lacrosse Player

The Wolf Clan Faith keeper, Oren R. Lyons Jr., was born in 1930 in Seneca, New York. As part of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Seneca tribe belongs to the Six Nations group. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles in the United Nations Human Rights Commission and the Commission’s Indigenous Peoples Working Group.

Lyons has a tremendous athletic career and is known as one of the greatest lacrosse players. He always surprised the sports fans with great performances and achievements.

The former Syracuse University lacrosse star became increasingly active as a voice for Indigenous peoples after his undergraduate years. Upon joining the faculty of the University of Buffalo, he became an American Studies professor.

Lyons received an athletic scholarship for lacrosse from Syracuse University, where, along with his academic and athletic accolades, he won the Orange Key.

7. John Grant Sr. – Lax Expert

Having played in Major League Lacrosse, the National Lacrosse League, and the Ontario Lacrosse Association, John Christopher Grant Jr. was born November 7, 1974, in Toronto, Ontario. Johns Hopkins named Grant Jr. as the offensive coordinator for the men’s lacrosse team in 2020.

John Grant Sr. played for the original Philadelphia Wings and the Ontario Lacrosse Association before becoming a star. The eldest, Grant Jr., who goes by Junior, holds a degree in physical education from the University of Delaware. Besides, he also counted among the most important athletes of this sport.

Initially, Grant played junior lacrosse with the Peterborough Lakers in the Ontario Lacrosse Association’s Junior A Lacrosse League. His career highlights include being named All-American in 1994 and 1993, 1994, and 1995. He won the Top Rookie of the Year award in 1995 with the Peterborough Lakers of the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL). He was named MSL Most Valuable Player in 2000.

Grant is also one of the great lacrosse players in history who gained a lot of respect among fans. Moreover, as a member of the Coquitlam Adanacs in the Western Lacrosse Association from 2002 to 2003, Grant was an All-Star.

6. Jimmy Lewis – Greatest Living Lacrosse Player

Lacrosse All-American James C. Lewis played at the Navy from 1964 to 1966, leading his team to national titles all three years and a perfect season each time. As a committee selected the national champions during these years, the Navy won its national championships with the Wingate Memorial Trophy format. According to The Baltimore Sun, in 1966, Lewis was the “greatest living lacrosse player.”

Lewis scored 169 points in his Navy lacrosse career, ranking fifth all-time. When he was on the team all three years of his college career, Lewis earned the Jack Turnbull Award in 1964, 1965, and 1966. As a lacrosse player for the Navy, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981 and is known as the best there ever was. He received the Sword for Men Award in 1966.

Lewis is one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time because of their impressive career. The Midshipmen won their fourth straight undisputed national championship in 1965 after Lewis led the Navy to a 12 and 0 record while defeating Army 18-7. This was 22 consecutive victories for the Navy.

At the time when USILA voted for the top teams, Lewis led the Navy to three straight National Championships. In the eight years between 1960 and 1968, the Navy won or shared eight consecutive national championships. This is considered the most successful stretch in Navy lacrosse history.

5. Dave Pietramala – Pro Lacrosse Coach

Former head coach of the men’s lacrosse team at Johns Hopkins University, Dave Pietramala, was born in 1967. The U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee is regarded as one of the greatest lacrosse players in the defenceman position. His accomplishments as a player and coach in men’s lacrosse include winning both player and coach of the year honors.

John is a native of Hicksville, New York, and attended St. Mary’s High School. On George Pietramala’s advice, Pietramala chose to attend Johns Hopkins University to play lacrosse for the powerhouse. At Hopkins, Pietramala was a member of the 1987 National Championship team. As the nation’s best defenseman in 1988 and 1989, he was awarded the Schmeisser Award.

He was also honored with the 1989 Enners Award for being the best player in the country. At Hopkins, he also earned three first-team all-American honors. The International Lacrosse Federation honored him with All-World selections in 1990 and 1994 and the Best and Fairest Player (MVP) title.

In addition to Pietramala being named to the 1995 NCAA Silver Anniversary Team, he received the Johns Hopkins All-Time Team and Lacrosse Magazine’s All-Century Team. He has won other awards and become one of the greatest lacrosse players in history. 2004 was the year he was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

4. Michael Powell – Professional Lacrosse Star

A four-time honorable mention All-American at Syracuse University, Michael Powell was born on October 29, 1982. He also served as a player for the Baltimore Bay Hawks and Boston Cannons.

Furthermore, he played on the United States team in both the 2002 and the 2006 World Lacrosse Championships, serving as an All-World selection both times.

 As a six-time Jack Turnbull Award winner and the top attackman in Division I lacrosse, Powell is the only player to have won it four successively. Also, during his career, he won the Tewaaraton Trophy, the lacrosse equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.

Among male players, only two have won the Tewaraton Trophies twice, like Powell. As Syracuse’s first two national champions, he holds the school’s career points record making him one of the greatest lacrosse players in history.

3. Paul Rabil – Highest-paid Lacrosse Player

Known professionally as Paul Rabil, he plays lacrosse professionally with the Cannons Lacrosse Club of the Premier Lacrosse League, which he co-founded. His previous Major League Lacrosse teams included the Boston Cannons and the New York Lizards.

Boston Cannons selected Rabil as the top pick in the 2008 Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft. Additionally, he participated in the MLL All-Star Game of that year.

During the 2009 season, Rabil won both the MVP award and the Offensive Player Award in MLL. As a first-team all-pro, Rabil was on the all-star team for the third straight season in 2010. Besides that, in 2011, Rabil won his second MVP and Offensive Player of the Year title.

Moreover, in 2011, he won both the MLL Bud Light Skills Competition and the MLL Fastest Shot competition, making him the first player to have won both. Additionally, it has been said that he is one of the best lacrosse players in the world.

2. Brodie Merrill – Best Lacrosse Player 

Born in Orangeville, Ontario, Canada, on November 5, 1981, Brodie Merrill plays professional lacrosse in Canada. He currently plays for the San Diego Seals in the National Lacrosse League and the Cannons in the Premier Lacrosse League.

Merrill won the MLL Rookie of the Year award in 2005 as a member of the Baltimore Bayhawks. Playing for the Rochester Rattlers in 2006 and 2007 is what he did in those years. Merrill has won the Major League Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Year award four times during his career.

He became the fourth straight defensive player of the Year award winner during the Toronto National’s inaugural season after helping the club win its first MLL Championship. Merrill holds the groundball record for the entire history of the MLL.

During the 2006 World Lacrosse Championships in London, Ontario, he was a Canadian national lacrosse team member. Besides that, he won All-World honors after winning Best Defender at a great tournament.

1. Gary Gait – Top Lacrosse Ninja

Former pro lacrosse player Gary Charles Gait was born on April 5, 1967, and currently serves as the head coach for the Syracuse University men’s lacrosse team. Secondly, his recent appointment as the Interim Commissioner of the United Women’s Lacrosse League came on January 24, 2017.

His professional career included playing in the indoor National Lacrosse League and the outdoor Major League Lacrosse while representing Canada internationally. Several of Gait’s accomplishments have been recognized by the National Lacrosse League and the United States Lacrosse National Hall of Fame. His exceptional career and performance make Gait one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time.

In addition to being a four-time All-American for the Syracuse Orange men’s lacrosse team, he was also an NCAA championship winner between 1988 and 1990. He won two Lieutenant Raymond Enners Awards while at Georgetown, which go to the most outstanding college lacrosse players. Both Syracuse and Gait hold NCAA records until 2008 with their respective career goals and individual goals.

Earning league MVP honors for five straight years, from 1995 to ’99, and winning All-Pro awards each season. With 1,091 points during his indoor career, Gait set a league record at the time, as he led the league in points and goals seven times. From 2001 to 2005, Gait was a member of the MLL for five seasons, winning three titles and co-winning the 2005 MVP award.

Final Words

We hope you like the list of our greatest lacrosse players of all time. Feel free to tell us in the comment box about this list. We appreciate your feedback.

Greatest Lacrosse Players – 2023 Infographics

Infographics: Greatest Lacrosse Players

FAQs Regarding Greatest Lacrosse Players

Q. Who is the most popular American lacrosse player?

Legendary player and the founder-member of the Lacrosse Premier League, Paul Rabil, is widely considered the greatest American lacrosse player of all time. Besides, American sports legend Jim Thorpe is also among the most popular lacrosse stars, although he played multiple sports during his heydays.

Q. What is the fastest shot in lacrosse?

The fastest shot in lacrosse was executed by legendary player Nick Diegel. He achieved an unmatched speed of 127 miles/hour with his stick. Besides, Zack Dorn also delivered a 116 miles/hour shot in the MLL All-Star game.

Q. What makes a great lacrosse player?

You need unmatched speed, amazing ball control, strategic thinking, and the ability to participate as a team member to become a great lacrosse player. Besides, you also need to be confident while being calm on the field. A great lacrosse player always influences the game and builds momentum for the team.

Q. What is the essential skill in lacrosse?

Cradling is one of the most effective skills a lacrosse player can possess. It is the ability of the player to maintain possession of the ball on the lacrosse stick. Although there are several different types of cradling that are most popular, most professional players rely on a full cradle to ensure better ball handling.

Last Updated On: July 2023

Blake Best – Men’s Lacrosse

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Biography

Why Lehigh? “I chose Lehigh for its strong academic reputation, competitive athletics, and the character of the people who represented Lehigh through my decision process. ”

On Coach Wakely: “Coach Wakely is dedicated to winning championships with a team that is not only talented, but has strong character.  He builds his teams to be disciplined and motivated to push each other towards success both on and off the field.”

Player Profile: As a junior … Second-Team All-Patriot League selection … netted a career-high 22 goals to go along with 11 assists … scooped up 31 ground balls … ranked tenth in the Patriot League in goals, ninth in assists and 14th in points … scored two or more goals on ten occasions, including a hat trick versus Vermont … found the back of the net twice versus No. 14 Army, No. 19 Bucknell and No. 19 Stony Brook … as a sophomore … started all 14 games … led the team with 14 assists … was third on the team in goals(18) and points(32) … recorded 3 hat tricks in victories versus Marist, St Joe’s and Colgate … ranked ninth in the Patriot League in assists with 14 … as a freshman … appeared in 14 games, making two starts … scored nine goals and handed out four assists … tied for third on team in assists … sixth on team with 13 points … scored one goal versus No. 2 Navy … scored one goal and handed out one assist versus No. 9 Army … netted a hat trick in league victory over Holy Cross … scored one goal versus NCAA Tournament participant Hobart … in secondary school … high school All-American … played in national senior high school all-star game … father is Eric Best, step-mother is JoAnn Best … mother is Claudia Cavey and step-father is Calvin Cavey … has one brother, Eric, and one sister JoAnn.

Statistics

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The best sniper of Mars Volkhov Alexander Svichkarev: “We don’t feel like a Cinderella team”

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Press Service of the Night Hockey League

May 14, 16:00

Mars Volkhov continues to create sensations in the Dream League. Following a major victory over last year’s bronze medalist “Pioneer” was beaten in the quarterfinals by “Tungsten B” . Moreover, in the course of the game, the team was inferior 0:2, but then scored four goals and got the victory. The best sniper “Martian” Alexander Svichkarev shared the secret of victory over the favorites.

– We knew Wolfram was a running team. They gave them a run, then they adjusted and began to score on counterattacks, as planned. Showed masculine character and won.

– In the group you have passed “Pioneer”, now the formidable “Tungsten” has been defeated. Don’t you feel like a sensational team, “Cinderella”?

– No, we don’t feel anything like that. We have a stable, even team. This is not the first time we have played with this opponent and we know how to defeat them.

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90,000 A year ago, Lukashenko’s security forces beat the Dynamo Molodechno hockey player, but he was not particularly offended. This is how a guy’s career is going

When a year ago, in the first days after the presidential elections, Lukashenka’s security forces launched hostilities against Belarusians, many athletes fell under the rink of cruelty. One of the victims was at that time 22-year-old Ilya Litvinov – the Dynamo-Molodechno hockey player returning from training was beaten and detained. The meeting with people in masks left painful traces on the guy’s face – photo evidence of this appeared on the social networks of the FCB (but later the post disappeared from there at the request of the victim).

But still, Litvinov, unlike hundreds of Belarusians, did not receive critical injuries from the security forces – at least on August 18 he played for Dynamo-Molodechno in the Salei Cup, and even abandoned it three days later. After the return of the young striker to the ice, the then Pressball journalist Vyacheslav Fedorenkov decided to inquire about the situation – and received an ideologically verified answer. First of all, Litvinov thanked those who “quickly got their bearings and resolved all issues” – here the hockey player named the head of the Molodechno team Dmitry Melnik and then the general director of Dynamo Minsk, and now the head of his supervisory board and the entire FHB Dmitry Baskov. Then Ilya said that even though he had a residue, but “we must forget the bad”, and assured that he did not intend to deal with what had happened in the legal field – and finally he once again indicated “the desire to thank the people who helped in that situation. ” In general, I turned the page when proposals to do this were not yet mainstream.

A couple of weeks later, the Extraliga season started, and Litvinov got off to a good start. In the first 11 games, he scored 5 (2+3) points. Ilya scored both goals against Neman (in different meetings) – in the second case, he “clicked” quite well after an interception in a foreign zone (0:50 mark).

Despite not the most outstanding statistics in the BW, albeit decent, in mid-October last year, Litvinov got a chance to show himself at a higher level. The roster of Dynamo Minsk was thinned out by the coronavirus epidemic, and the Bison had to urgently call for help from the Extraliga. The head coach of Dynamo-Molodechno Konstantin Koltsov became the interim head coach (although even the Basques managed to replace the sick Craig Woodcroft in front of him) – and the boyfriend of Arina Sobolenko gave the forward of his main team to play in the KHL.

It turned out so-so: Litvinov played five matches for the Minskers, in which he did not score points, and earned “-5” in the usefulness column. Despite the lack of leaders, the striker played in the lower ranks and spent no more than 10 minutes on the ice. But the next day after signing a trial contract, Ilya took part in a historic meeting – the Dynamo squad for the match against Lokomotiv turned out to be not only the youngest during his participation in the KHL, but was made up only of Belarusians (this has not happened before). However, then everything ended in defeat – as well as the next four games of the “bison” with the participation of Litvinov.

At the beginning of November the hockey player returned to Molodechno – and there he didn’t manage even to the previous rate of scoring. In the regular season of the Extraleague, Litvinov played 26 more matches in which he scored 7 (3+4) points (that is, the final figures are 12 (5+7) over 37 games). In the playoffs, Dynamo advanced from fourth place, but were eliminated in the first round – Metallurg won the series with a score of 4:2. Although the hockey player, who suffered after the elections, looked not bad in the short post-season: starting from the third meeting against Zhlobin, he gave out a four-game streak of goals – as a result, he earned 4 (2 + 2) points.

In the off-season, Litvinov left the club and decided on the first legionary experience in his professional career – the center forward moved to the Mikhailov Academy, which had entered the VHL (this is the farm club of the Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo playing in the KHL). To sum up his history in BW is worth two details. Firstly, Ilya is not among the signatories of the pro-regime letter of athletes: an atypical situation for Belarusian hockey players in general, but in Dynamo-Molodechno, in principle, they did not leave autographs en masse (only defender Pavel Denisov and already former head coach Koltsov did this). And secondly, a separate entry about Litvinov’s departure did not appear in the club’s official group (from May to June there were no posts at all), so the last time he was mentioned was in March – in honor of his birthday. Litvinov turned 23, and another Dynamo hockey player Pavel Kopytin celebrated his 34th birthday. As a result, the picture turned out to be a combination of numbers, which in August 2020 could become familiar to a young hockey player if Baskov and Melnik had not fit in for him.

Can it be said that the incident after the election had a negative impact on Litvinov’s speeches? Absolutely not. Rather, on the contrary, 16 (7 + 9) points scored by the striker in total in the 20/21 season became his best result in his career. The guy, who spent seven years in the structure of St. Petersburg SKA as a child, started in the U-20 national team of Belarus playing in the Extraleague. In his debut year, he scored 10 points in the championship, the next – the same number, but already in half a season. Promising prospect was immediately picked up by Yunost, but they failed to start scoring and assisting right there – only 1 + 1.

In November 2017, he even played for the adult national team in the Eurochallenge matches, and a couple of months later he showed himself well at the youth (U-20) World Cup in the elite division. There, the Belarusians lost all four matches in the group, and then twice lost to the Danes in the matches for survival. But at the same time, Ilya scored quite decent 4 (2+2) points.