What is the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament. How does the Boys’ Graveyard Lacrosse Tournament work. When and where is the event held. Who can participate in the tournament. What are the rules and regulations for the competition. How can teams register for the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament. What are the benefits of participating in this event.
The History and Evolution of the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament
The Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament, also known as the Boys’ Graveyard Lacrosse Tournament, has become a hallmark event in the youth lacrosse community. This prestigious competition has grown significantly since its inception, attracting teams from across the region and beyond.
The tournament’s origins can be traced back to the early 2000s when a group of passionate lacrosse enthusiasts in Canton, Ohio, decided to create an event that would showcase young talent and promote the sport. Over the years, it has evolved from a small local gathering to a major tournament drawing hundreds of participants annually.
Key Milestones in the Tournament’s History
- 2003: Inaugural Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament held with 12 teams
- 2008: Expansion to include multiple age divisions
- 2012: Introduction of the “Graveyard” format for enhanced competition
- 2015: Reached 50 participating teams milestone
- 2019: Added skills competitions and coaching clinics
Understanding the Unique “Graveyard” Format
The Boys’ Graveyard Lacrosse Tournament employs a distinctive format that sets it apart from other youth lacrosse competitions. But what exactly is the “Graveyard” format and how does it work?
The Graveyard format is designed to create a more intense and competitive environment for participating teams. In this system, teams are initially divided into pools for round-robin play. As teams lose games, they are moved to the “Graveyard” bracket, where they continue to compete against other teams with similar records.
Benefits of the Graveyard Format
- Ensures all teams play multiple games regardless of early performance
- Creates more evenly matched competitions as the tournament progresses
- Provides opportunities for redemption and improvement
- Maintains engagement and excitement for all participants throughout the event
Eligibility and Registration Process for the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament
Participating in the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and following a structured registration process. Teams interested in joining this competitive event should be aware of the following guidelines:
Eligibility Requirements
- Age divisions typically range from U10 to U18
- Players must be enrolled in school and meet age requirements for their division
- Teams must have a minimum of 12 players and a maximum of 25 on their roster
- All players must have valid US Lacrosse memberships
Registration Steps
- Visit the official tournament website to access the registration portal
- Complete the team information form, including coach and player details
- Submit required documentation, such as proof of insurance and player waivers
- Pay the registration fee (varies by division and registration date)
- Receive confirmation of registration and additional tournament information
Early registration is highly recommended, as the tournament often reaches capacity well before the deadline. Teams are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as the registration period opens to secure their spot in this popular event.
Preparing Your Team for Success at the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament
Competing in the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament requires thorough preparation to ensure your team performs at its best. Coaches and players should focus on several key areas in the lead-up to the event:
Physical Conditioning
The tournament’s intense format demands high levels of physical fitness. Implement a comprehensive conditioning program that includes:
- Cardiovascular endurance training
- Strength and agility exercises
- Sport-specific drills to improve lacrosse skills
- Proper nutrition and hydration strategies
Mental Preparation
Mental toughness is crucial for success in the Graveyard format. Consider incorporating the following into your team’s preparation:
- Visualization techniques for game scenarios
- Team-building exercises to enhance cohesion
- Stress management and relaxation strategies
- Goal-setting sessions for individual players and the team as a whole
Tactical Planning
Develop a solid game plan that adapts to the tournament’s unique format:
- Review and practice various offensive and defensive strategies
- Prepare for different playing styles you may encounter
- Establish clear roles and responsibilities for each player
- Create contingency plans for potential challenges during the tournament
Navigating the Tournament Venue and Facilities
The Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament is typically held at multiple locations throughout Canton, Ohio. Understanding the layout and available facilities can help teams and spectators make the most of their experience:
Primary Venues
- Canton Hall of Fame City Challenge Sports Complex
- Canton McKinley High School Athletic Fields
- Jackson Township North Park
Amenities and Services
Participants and spectators can expect the following amenities at most tournament locations:
- Concession stands offering food and beverages
- Restroom facilities and portable toilets
- First aid stations staffed by medical professionals
- Merchandise vendors selling tournament souvenirs
- Parking areas (some may require a fee)
It’s advisable to arrive early to familiarize yourself with the venue layout and locate essential services. Many teams choose to set up team tents or canopies in designated areas to create a home base for players and families between games.
The Impact of the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament on Youth Sports
The Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament has had a significant influence on youth lacrosse and sports in general. Its innovative format and commitment to player development have contributed to several positive outcomes:
Promoting Sportsmanship and Fair Play
The tournament’s emphasis on respect and integrity has helped instill important values in young athletes. Teams are encouraged to compete fiercely but always within the spirit of the game, fostering a culture of sportsmanship that extends beyond the playing field.
Providing Exposure and Opportunities
Many college recruiters and scouts attend the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament, giving players valuable exposure. The event has served as a launching pad for numerous young athletes to pursue lacrosse at higher levels, including collegiate and professional play.
Boosting Local Economy
The influx of teams, families, and spectators during the tournament provides a significant economic boost to the Canton area. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retailers, benefit from the increased tourism associated with the event.
Inspiring Community Engagement
The tournament has become a rallying point for the local community, inspiring volunteerism and civic pride. Many residents participate as organizers, officials, or support staff, creating a sense of shared purpose and community spirit.
Strategies for Success in the Graveyard Format
The unique Graveyard format of the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament requires teams to adapt their strategies for optimal performance. Here are some key approaches to consider:
Manage Player Stamina
With the potential for multiple games in a day, effective player rotation is crucial:
- Implement a balanced substitution strategy to keep players fresh
- Utilize timeouts strategically to provide rest and regroup
- Emphasize proper hydration and nutrition between games
Adapt to Opponents Quickly
The Graveyard format may pit you against unfamiliar teams with varying play styles:
- Develop a scouting system to gather intel on opponents during warm-ups
- Practice quick defensive and offensive adjustments
- Encourage players to communicate observations during play
Maintain Mental Resilience
The possibility of moving to the Graveyard bracket requires a strong mental game:
- Foster a “next play” mentality to quickly move past mistakes
- Celebrate small victories to maintain team morale
- Use setbacks as learning opportunities for growth
Leverage the Format’s Unique Aspects
Understanding the nuances of the Graveyard format can provide a competitive edge:
- Study the tournament structure to anticipate potential matchups
- Prepare for the possibility of facing teams multiple times
- Use early games to experiment with strategies while maintaining competitiveness
By employing these strategies, teams can maximize their chances of success in the challenging and dynamic environment of the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament.
The Role of Technology in Enhancing the Tournament Experience
As the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament has evolved, technology has played an increasingly important role in improving various aspects of the event. From streamlining operations to enhancing the spectator experience, technological innovations have significantly impacted the tournament:
Digital Scorekeeping and Statistics
Advanced scoring systems now allow for real-time updates and comprehensive statistics tracking:
- Instant score reporting across all fields
- Detailed player and team statistics available online
- Historical data analysis for performance trends
Mobile Applications
Custom tournament apps provide participants and spectators with valuable resources:
- Live game updates and push notifications
- Interactive venue maps and schedules
- Team and player profiles
- Social media integration for sharing highlights
Video Analysis and Streaming
Advanced video technology has enhanced both coaching and viewing experiences:
- High-definition cameras for game recording and analysis
- Live streaming options for remote viewing
- Instant replay capabilities for officials and coaches
Registration and Communication Platforms
Digital platforms have streamlined administrative processes:
- Online registration and payment systems
- Automated team communications and updates
- Digital document submission and verification
These technological advancements have not only improved the efficiency of the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament but also enhanced the overall experience for teams, coaches, and fans alike.
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Teams — bay lacrosse
In 2021-22 Bay Lacrosse had over 170 girls and boys playing on six teams in three grade divisions. The Girls and Boys Middle School teams are for 7th and 8th graders; the Boys and Girls Youth teams are for 5th and 6th graders; and the Boys and Girls Bantam teams are for 3rd and 4th graders. This was the third year for our Bantam Girls team, and we were very excited to have nearly 30 lax players on that team.
.. we might have the largest Bantam Girls program in Northern Ohio!
To maximize playing time at the Middle School and Youth levels, each team is usually split into two squads for tournaments and head-to-head games. Bantam teams play a smaller-sided game, and the number of teams will depend on the number of players registered.
Spring is the primary lacrosse season for Boys and Girls. However, Registration opens in Fall (pssst, its open now!) with indoor practices starting in November or December. New players are introduced to the fundamental skills and rules, and older players sharpen their skills and further their lacrosse IQ. By the time games start in late March or April, most of our teams have had between 12 and 20+ practices. Games run thru late May with various head-to-head games and tournaments. Bay Lacrosse also sponsors clinics, practices and all ages, co-ed pick-up games during the Summer. Some kids also play on Premier or Select teams in the Summer and Fall.
Bay Lacrosse is a member of the NOLL, a group formed by area youth lacrosse clubs.
NOLL members work together to help develop the game in Northern Ohio and to host a tournament.
2015 WestShore Middle School Champs
Middle school (7-8 grade) girls
The spring schedule usually includes Rocky River, Strongsville, Brecksville, Medina, and our other WestShore Conference members. We also go to the WestShore Tournament and Canton North Coast/Big Dog tournament, and also usually some of the Hawken Playday, Hudson LaxFest and Medina Biggataway tournament.
You can contact the coaches at [email protected]
2017 North Coast Middle School Champions
Middle school (7-8 grade) boys
The schedule usually includes powerhouses like Rocky River, Strongsville, Hudson, Chagrin, Shaker, and our other WestShore Conference members. We also go to the WestShore Tournament and Canton Big Dog tournament, and also usually the Hudson LaxFest and Medina Biggataway tournament.
Ohio also offers the Ohio Middle School Tournament for boys, and we are have played in Division I (reserved for the top programs in the State) in most of the recent years years, finishing tied for 3d in the state in 2017 and 2018.
You can email the coaches at [email protected].
2015 WestShore Champions
Youth (5-6 grade) girls
The usually schedule included Avon, Lake Erie, Medina, plus other WestShore Conference members. We also go to the WestShore Tournament, and also usually some of the Hawken Playday, Hudson LaxFest, Canton NorthCoast, and Medina Biggataway tournaments.
You can contact the coaches at [email protected]
2015 North Coast Champions
youth (5-6 grade) boys
The schedule usually includes Rocky River, Strongsville, Hudson, Chagrin, Shaker, and our other WestShore Conference members.
We also go to the WestShore Tournament and Canton Big Dog tournaments, and also usually the Hudson LaxFest and Medina Biggataway tournament.
You can contact the coaches at [email protected].
bantam boys
The schedule usually includes our WestShore Conference members plus Hudson and Chagrin. We also went to the WestShore Conference Tournament and Big Dog.
You can contact the coach at [email protected].
Bantam Girls
The schedule usually includes Avon, Westlake, Avon Lake plus other WestShore Conference members. We also go to the WestShore Tournament, and also usually one of the Hawken Playday, Hudson LaxFest, Canton NorthCoast, and Medina Biggataway tournaments.
You can contact the coach at [email protected].
“What kind of star am I? A simple guy from Barnaul. Big interview with Andrey Svechnikov – Hockey news
The best young Russian hockey player – about Carolina, brother, lacrosse goals, childhood and life in America
Carolina Emergency Goalkeeper
– You have been playing for the Carolinas for the second year.
They say that already now in the city of Roli Svechnikov is the biggest hockey star.
– Yes, what kind of star am I? ( Laughs .) A simple guy from Barnaul.
– Is it an accident that your T-shirts are hung on the streets all over the city?
— ( Laughs .) I don’t even know. But not a star for sure. Raleigh is a nice little town. I really like living here. There are places to go — good restaurants, great climate. It snowed only once in February, but the next day it was “plus 20” again. Because of the weather is always a great mood. The people here are also good and positive. They always come up, wish you good luck in the next games. Hockey in Carolina is the number one sport. There are always a lot of fans at the stadium. It’s nice to play when there are about 18 thousand spectators in the arena.
– Almost the main event of February in the NHL was the appearance of an emergency goalkeeper in the match with Toronto after the injury of your two goalkeepers.
What were you thinking when it happened?
— That game was started by James Rymer. He left in the 10th minute. No one saw how it happened – including me. Then Petr Mrazek appeared at the gate. Almost everyone was sure that he would play the entire match. When he got injured, we realized that we didn’t have a goalkeeper… Nobody knew what to do at that moment. Everyone was perplexed, they say, now some person will come out who may have played somewhere in the amateur league. When he came out and missed the first two shots, which went low, then before the third period, the guys and I discussed in the locker room that you need to play defense. The goalkeeper also tried to charge us – he promised that he would drag us. As a result, he made six saves. It was nice to see that a person who played somewhere in the “beer” league managed to perform like that. After this match, he became the most popular player in the NHL.
– He was discussed that day by more than 700 Ovechkin goals.
– Exactly. After this game, it was broadcast by all sports channels. It’s very cool that this happened to our team.
– Do you think that not scoring more than two goals for an amateur goalkeeper in a period and a half is shame and disgrace?
– I’m not to judge. But, as I said, we agreed with the guys to play defense. Everything was done for this. Toronto simply failed to make dangerous shots. They only tried to throw from the blue line. But it’s hard to score from this position.
Brother, lacrosse goals
– Information has appeared that your brother Evgeny may return to Ak Bars next season.
– It is not true. Zhenya is not going to Ak Bars. There weren’t even such thoughts. It was as a prediction, and everyone picked it up as an accomplished event. My brother and I are very close, we communicate every day on different topics. He is very strong in spirit and will fight for his place in the squad. Zhenya was supposed to play in the NHL that year.
But he had a streak of small setbacks associated with a knee injury. Now the main thing for him is to work. And then everything will come.
– You would have a chance to play against your brother in November.
– This is my dream. We talked about this topic. Zhenya said that we might have one more game in Detroit (the conversation took place before the season stopped in the NHL. – Note “SE”). It would be cool if he was called to the base. God willing, everything will work out.
– Will you play hard against him?
– I immediately warned him that I would. Said I’d take a couple of hits against him. He replied – no problem ( Laughs .) He promised that he wouldn’t feel sorry for me either. By the way, we have Jordan Staal on the team, who also recently played against brother Eric, who plays for Minnesota. Somehow Eric hit on Mark (the third brother is now playing for the Rangers), and something happened to his eye. I think even their parents fought because of it.
So, seriously speaking, doing too hard hits on your brother is ugly. After all, our parents will watch and worry.
– After your lacrosse goals, many began to try to copy you – both in the NHL and in other leagues. How do you like the fact that you set a new fashion in hockey?
— It’s always nice to score such goals and see that many people have started to try this trick. Recently we had a small event for children. I showed them how it’s done. In general, Karolina and I try to hold some kind of charity events once a month. This is very cool.
– Did any of the children manage to score at the master class?
– Not yet ( Laughs .) But when I was little, I also couldn’t find the right puck. I learned to do this only by the age of fifteen.
– They play with you differently now when you are behind the gate – are you afraid of lacrosse goals?
– When you score two of these, everyone expects a third from you.
I tried to score like this with Tampa – two defenders immediately got up on the posts. Now it is more difficult to put the puck in any direction. Every time I twist, the fans also start screaming and cheering me on. So it really got harder to score. But I will try to come up with something new. Now I have a couple of new tricks in my head that I hope to do.
– Do you try to score against your own goalkeepers during Carolina training?
— Last year I scored a couple of goals. Now it is difficult to do so. They know me too well.
– Carolina head coach Rod Brindamore said that you need to be careful and not resort to lacrosse throws too often. Did he talk to you about this?
“Personally, he didn’t say anything to me. But I don’t resort to lacrosse goals too often. If I get a good moment, I will always use it. The main thing is that the ice is clean, without snow. If I can score such goals, then I should always try. Why not?
– Your goals even took second place in the list of the best in NHL history according to ESPN – after the famous Ovechkin puck in the fall.
Are there any other ideas to overtake him?
— There are a couple of tricks in my head.
— Are they that cool?
– They are good. But it is difficult to fulfill them. I will try. Let’s see ( smiles ).
— Did you see how 15-year-old Matvey Michkov scored two lacrosse goals in one match?
— To be honest, I didn’t see it. But it’s nice to know that guys try and score. This is very cool.
– How do you feel about such praises – “the next after Ovechkin, Malkin”?
— They are great masters with vast experience in the NHL. I’m just trying to get closer to their level. Of course, such comparisons are always pleasant to me.
MFM, America
– Did you watch the World Youth Championship this year?
— I managed to watch a couple of games. In fact, there was little time. Sometimes our matches overlapped. I watched two periods of the final and the semi-final with the Swedes. When our team beat them in overtime, we were sick in the locker room, making bets.
It’s always nice to see the Russian team on the podium. Our hockey is growing. God willing, next year we will win gold. I know most of the guys of this year very well. We played together in different tournaments with Sasha Khovanov, Danya Zhuravlev and Amir Miftakhov.
– At least for a second there was no thought that yes, cool, you play in the NHL, but would it be great to go to the Czech Republic and play for the youth team?
– I didn’t even think about it. Moreover, I spent the entire last year in the NHL: I settled in the team, I play in significant positions. But the youth world championships are always very cool. This tournament is special in that it can only happen once or twice in your life.
— You left early for North America. How much did it affect you – is there any kind of Americanization after four seasons overseas?
– I’m still the same Russian ordinary guy. Yes, I left at 16. My brother was already here, so it was easier to move.
Zhenya lived 25 minutes from me. We saw each other every day. I don’t think I’ve changed in any way in these four years. He remained one hundred percent Russian.
— What kind of music do you listen to? Are there Russian tracks in the playlist?
– The most varied. When I lived in Russia, then I could also listen to something American and something Russian. I like many Russian tracks.
— How do you find popular Russian novelties?
“Sometimes a brother throws off, sometimes friends. Sometimes I search myself in music applications.
— Does it happen that you think in English?
– Happens. When I was in the draft, they took a lot of interviews in English. During the last interview in Russian it was not easy ( Laughs .)
– Nikita Zadorov said that foreigners do not understand Russian fashion and tease him because of his clothes. How are you with this?
— Nobody has ever teased me about style. I dress in much the same way as the other guys.
— Who in Carolina likes to joke the most?
— I think Martinuk. Williams can do something too. I won’t tell you exactly what. Let it stay in the team ( Laughs .) Sometimes the jokes are too harsh.
– Are you kidding yourself in response?
– Yes. Constantly.
– Despite the fact that you are the youngest?
“On the contrary, it’s even more interesting to pin up the elders.
– Is it hard without Russians in the team?
– Of course, I would like to play with fellow countrymen. But it’s okay. All the guys in Carolina are very good. We are all about the same age. I feel very comfortable. We go out together to the cinema, to bowling, to restaurants. Of course, sometimes I miss speaking Russian in the locker room. But I think that in a couple of years Russians will appear in our team.
– Would you like to play in such a club as, for example, “Washington”? There are now five Russians.
– I want to play in Carolina, but the more Russians, the better.
— Do you always come to Russia in summer?
– Certainly. Immediately after the end of the season last summer, I went to Kazan. After that, Vanya Provorov and I went to Yaroslavl to train. I am also planning this summer.
— Who is your best friend in the team?
— Most of all we communicate with Hamilton and Vogele. We often go out together. After games in the locker room, we have our own atmosphere. But the whole team is very friendly.
– In January, in a match with Winnipeg, you grappled with Mark Scheifli and dumped him on the ice. Why did they get into a fight – who started first?
– There was a moment: I finished off the puck, more than once. He drove up and started grabbing me. He didn’t like that I hit the goalkeeper’s trap. He started pushing me. Of course, I didn’t like it either. So we got hooked.
youtube.com/embed/qIHMPsYvy5o”>
Childhood, hockey
— Many hockey players in the NHL like to have pets. Do you have someone?
— I would love to get a dog. But so far there is no such possibility, since I live alone. Hope to get one sometime. I don’t know much about breeds. When I first arrived here, Slavin invited me to dinner. I saw two white dogs at his house. They are so cool. In America, dogs are simply adored. In Russia, it seems to me, they love cats more. But I don’t know yet when I’ll be able to get a pet. I live in an apartment, and, of course, it is better to have dogs in your house.
— What was the last book you read?
– Now I’m reading the second part of “Transformer”. I liked the first one much more. I love reading detective stories.
– What hockey quality would you like to have that you don’t have?
– Hard question. I try to work on everything. In the summer, I especially focus on skating, throws and technique.
I would probably like even more speed.
– You once said that you started skating at the age of two. And when did you and your parents realize that you have a huge talent and that you stand out among other peers?
– It would be more correct to say that I started skating at the age of three. And at 8-9 years old, when we moved to Balashikha near Moscow, my parents realized that I was capable of something. I played there for a year, after which we felt that it was time to change the team to a stronger one – and so we moved to Kazan. There we already realized that we can achieve something in this life.
– That is, your parents had a specific life goal – to develop you and your brother in hockey? Even cities changed for the sake of teams.
– Undoubtedly. Our parents did everything for us. I am very grateful to them for this. I hope they are proud of us now.
– Now your mother is with you in Raleigh. After that, he will probably go to Yevgeny?
– Yes.
Will go to him in a week. It is not easy for her to travel back and forth.
— What city does she like best?
– I think in Raleigh, because the climate is better here. But really, she doesn’t care. The main thing is that we are close.
– Whose idea was it to send you to hockey?
– When Zhenya started training, I went to his trainings at the age of three. I really liked it. Then my parents talked to the coach and gave me away too. At first, I could barely crawl. But he tried to reach for Zhenya.
– It became known about you when you were only 13-14 years old. You dominated junior tournaments. Have you always been in a situation in childhood when you are the best or one of the best?
– In Balashikha, I played well and showed the result. Then in Kazan it was more difficult for me – a team of a higher level, with its own leaders. I tried to prove myself, and around the age of 11 I also became one of the leaders. He scored the most in tournaments, gave assists.
I think I did well.
— How much do you love hockey? Did you ever think of finishing with him as a child?
– Never. Hockey is my whole life. I gave my all to this sport. I always enjoy the hockey atmosphere. It’s a pleasure for me to be with the team, to play for the fans.
The main MHL-2022 graduate is the Loko striker: he returned from North America, breaks team records and loves lacrosse very much – League of the Strong – Blogs
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Likhachev’s only season in the MHL turned out to be outstanding.
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One of the main favorites of the MHL in recent years, Loko, took fourth place in the Western Conference in the regular season and was eliminated after the second round.
But this did not stop the forward of Yaroslavl Yaroslav Likhachev from breaking the team record for points scored in the playoffs: 12 + 8 in just 9 matches. In the history of the MHL, he shares eighth place with several other forwards. In general, 20 points in one draw of the Kharlamov Cup were not scored in the 2016/17 season, when Andrey Kuzmenko knocked out 24 (11 + 13) in 13 games.
But this is not Likhachev’s only achievement – in the regular season he repeated Stepan Nikulin’s club record in points scored (74).
Likhachev scored a lot of beautiful goals in the MHL. Lacrosse goals in hockey are now scored more often than before, but still require the highest skill. Yaroslav performed lacrosse twice during the season: in the regular season with Almaz and against the Red Army in the playoffs.
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“Such a performance by Likhachev is not a sensation at all. This is a player you always want to watch, he has stellar potential. In terms of speed and technical equipment, Yaroslav has always been on top. Not for nothing that from the very beginning he got into the national team for key junior tournaments, he was a prominent player there. And even though the main star among the guys of 2001 in the country is Vasily Podkolzin, it was from the point of view of skill that Likhachev was not much inferior to him. In the Lokomotiv school team, he was very productive every year, ”recalls the KHL TV 9 commentator0203 Anton Vasyatin .
“My cousin just played hockey, played in the MHL, the Major League, and now in Sweden (Dmitry Likhachev played for the White Tigers and Khimik – approx.). Yes, and dad is a big fan, he has many familiar hockey players. When I got on skates for the first time, I immediately told my parents that I wanted to play.
From childhood he was a leader, he always played a year older. When I came in my year, it was easy for me, ”Yaroslav said about his first steps in hockey.
Season 2017/18 Likhachev spent in the NMHL, after which he left for North America. “In 2018, Yaroslav moved overseas. The first season turned out to be difficult, both in terms of adaptation and opportunities, since Gatineau had many forwards older than him. After the change of the team, things went for the better, we managed to restore the previous productivity,” Anton Vasyatin said.
When the young striker first arrived in North America, local experts rated him very highly – in several ratings, Likhachev was in the top 30 players of his year. But the first year in the junior league of Quebec was unsuccessful – 24 points in 57 games. At the JWC-2019Likhachev, as one of the most technical forwards of the national team, nevertheless went – that team reached the final for the first time in a long time.
“Likhachev is by far one of the most technical, if not the most technical forward in the Quebec league. He has an excellent vision of the court, creates a lot of scoring chances for his partners, can circle any opponent with his hands. His throw is ordinary, but he can use it absolutely suddenly and shock any goalkeeper, ”wrote a representative of the Future Considerations 9 scouting agency about Likhachev.0203 Andy Leu .
In 2021, after three seasons in the Quebec league, Likhachev returned to his native club. A year before, Yaroslav told why he went overseas: he was afraid that because of the many juniors in the Lokomotiv system, it would not be possible to break into the KHL team. But he added: “Sooner or later I will return to Russia and I will always be happy to play and fight for my native club that raised me.” In the summer of 2021, the striker signed a trial contract with Lokomotiv, but in August head coach Andrei Skabelka announced that the striker would return to North America.
Already in October, Yaroslav took to the ice with Loko in the JHL. In the third match, he scored a hat-trick against Almaz by scoring lacrosse.
“It was clear that at the MHL level Likhachev would begin to truly dominate. This is where skill and experience come into play. He did not start at Loko from the first line, but with his play he deserved the role that he had in the playoffs. With all the attacking skills, Yaroslav did a great job of refining each episode – both near the boards and on someone else’s penny, ”continues Vasyatin.
In the playoffs, Likhachev did not score points in only one match – the first. Then everything went on the rise: even in the fifth game against the Red Army, as a result of which Loko flew out, the forward had a double.
In the previous meeting, he scored a hat-trick for the second time in a season with lacrosse, which he explained very simply: “I turned around in the corner of the site and saw that there were no opponents nearby, there was space.
