What is the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament. How can teams participate in this prestigious youth lacrosse event. What makes this tournament unique among youth lacrosse competitions in Ohio. When and where does the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament take place.
Overview of the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament
The Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament, also known as the Boys’ Graveyard Lacrosse Tournament, is one of the premier youth lacrosse events in Ohio. Hosted annually in Canton, this tournament brings together top middle school and high school boys’ lacrosse teams from across the state and region to compete at a high level.
The tournament typically features multiple age divisions, allowing teams of various skill levels to participate. It provides an excellent opportunity for young lacrosse players to showcase their talents, develop their skills, and gain valuable competitive experience.
Tournament Format and Structure
How is the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament organized? The event usually follows a bracket-style format, with teams competing in pool play before advancing to elimination rounds. Games are typically played on multiple fields throughout the tournament venue, allowing for simultaneous matches and efficient scheduling.
The tournament often includes:
- Multiple age divisions (e.g. U13, U15, High School)
- Round-robin pool play
- Championship brackets
- Consolation brackets
- All-Star selections
Participating Teams and Recruitment
Which teams typically participate in the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament? The event attracts a diverse mix of youth lacrosse programs, including:
- School-based teams
- Club teams
- Select/travel teams
- Regional all-star teams
Teams from across Ohio and neighboring states often travel to Canton to compete in this prestigious tournament. The high level of competition makes it an attractive event for college recruiters looking to scout emerging lacrosse talent.
Venue and Facilities
Where exactly does the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament take place? The tournament is typically held at top-notch sports facilities in Canton, Ohio. These venues often feature:
- Multiple well-maintained grass and/or turf fields
- Ample parking for teams and spectators
- Concession stands and food vendors
- On-site medical staff
- Spectator seating areas
The quality of the facilities contributes to the overall positive experience for players, coaches, and fans attending the tournament.
Tournament History and Reputation
The Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament has established itself as one of the most respected youth lacrosse events in Ohio. Over the years, it has gained a reputation for:
- High-quality competition
- Excellent organization and management
- Attracting top talent from across the region
- Providing a platform for player development and exposure
Many successful high school and college lacrosse players have participated in this tournament during their youth careers, contributing to its prestige within the lacrosse community.
Impact on Ohio Lacrosse Development
How has the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament contributed to the growth of lacrosse in Ohio? The tournament plays a significant role in promoting and developing the sport at the youth level. It provides:
- Motivation for young players to improve their skills
- Exposure to high-level competition
- Networking opportunities for coaches and programs
- A showcase for the sport in the Canton area
By bringing together top teams and players from across the state, the tournament helps raise the overall standard of youth lacrosse in Ohio.
Preparing for the Tournament
How can teams best prepare for the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament? Successful preparation often involves:
- Intense training and conditioning in the weeks leading up to the event
- Studying game film of potential opponents
- Developing specific game plans and strategies
- Ensuring players are well-rested and properly equipped
- Organizing travel and lodging arrangements well in advance
Coaches often emphasize the importance of mental preparation as well, helping players manage the pressure and excitement of competing in a high-profile tournament.
Training Tips for Young Lacrosse Players
To excel in tournaments like the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament, young players should focus on:
- Improving stick skills through daily practice
- Developing cardiovascular endurance
- Strengthening core muscles for better balance and agility
- Studying lacrosse strategy and game IQ
- Practicing teamwork and communication on the field
The Tournament Experience
What can players and spectators expect at the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament? The event typically offers:
- Multiple games per day for each team
- High-energy atmosphere with passionate fans
- Opportunities to watch other skilled teams compete
- Vendor booths selling lacrosse equipment and merchandise
- Awards ceremonies for division champions and outstanding players
The tournament often becomes a multi-day lacrosse festival, celebrating the sport and the achievements of young athletes.
Spectator Information
For those planning to attend the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament as spectators, it’s important to:
- Check the tournament schedule in advance
- Bring comfortable seating (e.g. folding chairs)
- Prepare for various weather conditions
- Familiarize yourself with venue rules and regulations
- Consider carpooling to manage parking logistics
Connection to Ohio High School Lacrosse
The Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament plays a significant role in the broader landscape of Ohio high school lacrosse. Many participants go on to excel at the high school level, competing in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) lacrosse programs.
The OHSAA boys lacrosse season typically runs from February to June, with the following key dates for the 2023 season:
- February 20: First day of coaching and tryouts
- March 17: Regular season begins
- May 7: Tournament draw/seed date
- May 12-21: Regional qualifying
- May 22-28: Regional semifinals and finals
- May 30-June 3: State tournament
- June 3: Season ends
Participation in tournaments like the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament helps prepare young players for the rigors of high school competition and beyond.
OHSAA Lacrosse Regulations
Teams and coaches involved in Ohio high school lacrosse must adhere to OHSAA regulations, including:
- Eligibility requirements for student-athletes
- Coaching certification and training standards
- Sport-specific rules and regulations
- Guidelines for practices, games, and tournaments
- Protocols for handling injuries and concussions
Youth Lacrosse in Ohio
The Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament is just one part of a thriving youth lacrosse scene in Ohio. Many communities across the state have established youth programs that introduce children to the sport at an early age.
For example, Bay Lacrosse, a youth program in the Cleveland area, offers teams for various age groups:
- Bantam teams (3rd and 4th grade)
- Youth teams (5th and 6th grade)
- Middle school teams (7th and 8th grade)
These programs often participate in local leagues, tournaments, and events like the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament, providing young players with numerous opportunities to develop their skills and compete.
Benefits of Youth Lacrosse Participation
Engaging in youth lacrosse programs and tournaments offers numerous benefits for young athletes, including:
- Physical fitness and coordination development
- Teamwork and social skills
- Time management and discipline
- Confidence building
- Exposure to potential college opportunities
Future of the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament
As lacrosse continues to grow in popularity across Ohio and the Midwest, the Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament is poised to play an increasingly important role in the sport’s development. Future editions of the tournament may see:
- Expansion to include more teams and divisions
- Increased media coverage and streaming options
- Enhanced college recruitment presence
- Integration of new technologies for player tracking and analysis
- Partnerships with professional lacrosse organizations
The tournament’s organizers remain committed to providing a top-tier competitive experience while promoting the growth and development of youth lacrosse in the region.
Emerging Trends in Youth Lacrosse
The Big Dog Lacrosse Tournament may also adapt to incorporate emerging trends in youth sports, such as:
- Increased focus on player safety and injury prevention
- Integration of sports psychology and mental performance training
- Emphasis on multi-sport athleticism
- Use of data analytics to inform coaching strategies
- Implementation of eco-friendly practices in tournament operations
By staying at the forefront of these trends, the tournament can continue to provide an exceptional experience for young lacrosse players and contribute to the sport’s growth in Ohio and beyond.
OHSAA Boys Lacrosse
- Sports & Tournaments
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2023 Season Information
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- Boys Lacrosse Administrator: Kate Barnett
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Boys Lacrosse News
June 8, 2022
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Boys Lacrosse History
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.
Sports.ru Editors: You are reading the League of the Strong, the official blog of the Youth Hockey League. Support him with pluses, subscriptions and comments so that interesting posts about bright – and even heroic – events in the MHL and very young KHL talents appear more often on the Tribune and in your feed.
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.
youtube.com/embed/wSSnB_ipKhA”>
“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.
