Fastest lacrosse shot 2019. Fastest Lacrosse Shot: Exploring the 127 MPH Record and Beyond

How fast is the fastest lacrosse shot ever recorded. What factors contribute to achieving such high speeds. Can the current record of 127 mph be broken in the future. Discover the science and techniques behind lacrosse’s most powerful shots.

The Evolution of Lacrosse’s Fastest Shot

Lacrosse, often hailed as the fastest sport on two feet, has seen its fair share of impressive feats. Among these, the speed of a player’s shot stands out as a testament to skill, strength, and technological advancement. The current record for the fastest lacrosse shot is an astounding 127 mph, set by Nick Diegal in 2020. This incredible achievement has sparked renewed interest in the mechanics and potential of lacrosse shooting.

Breaking Down the Record

Nick Diegal’s record-breaking shot took place at the 2020 annual lacrosse convention in Philadelphia. Using an STX Ultra Power head on an STX Fiber shaft, Diegal unleashed a shot that surpassed the previous record by more than 10 mph. This feat not only showcases Diegal’s exceptional skill but also highlights the evolving nature of lacrosse equipment and technique.

The Path to 127 MPH

The journey to this record didn’t happen overnight. In 2010, Paul Rabil brought attention to the fastest shot record by achieving 111 mph. This milestone popularized the concept and led to its inclusion in Major League Lacrosse (MLL) All-Star events and annual conventions. In 2014, Zack Dorn, a non-professional player, shattered Rabil’s record with a 116 mph shot, paving the way for athletes like Diegal to push the boundaries even further.

The Science Behind Lacrosse Shot Speed

Understanding the mechanics of a fast lacrosse shot involves several key factors. Technique, physical strength, and equipment all play crucial roles in achieving high shot speeds.

Mechanics of a Fast Shot

• Proper hand placement on the lacrosse shaft
• Taking a big step to generate power
• Rotating the torso to create torque
• Arm positioning away from the body
• Full-body rotation through the shot

How does torque affect shot speed? Torque is the rotational force that gives a lacrosse shot its power. By properly positioning the hands, arms, and body, players can maximize this force, resulting in faster shots.

Physical Attributes and Training

While technique is fundamental, physical strength significantly influences shot speed. Upper and lower body strength training is essential for players aiming to increase their shot velocity. Additionally, overall fitness and flexibility contribute to a player’s ability to execute the complex movements required for a powerful shot.

Technological Advancements in Lacrosse Equipment

The evolution of lacrosse equipment has played a pivotal role in enabling faster shots. From shafts to heads and even the balls themselves, every aspect of lacrosse gear has seen improvements aimed at enhancing performance.

Shaft Innovations

Modern lacrosse shafts are designed to be lighter and more flexible, allowing for greater speed and power transfer. Companies like Epoch and True Temper utilize carbon fiber materials that flex during a shot, storing and releasing energy to amplify the player’s power.

Head Designs

Lacrosse heads have become more durable and accurate, complementing the advancements in shaft technology. This combination creates a synergy that allows elite players to consistently achieve shot speeds approaching or exceeding 100 mph in game situations.

Ball Improvements

Even the lacrosse ball itself has seen enhancements. Increased texture and grip allow for better control and potentially higher speeds as players can impart more spin and force on the ball.

Challenges in Measuring Lacrosse Shot Speed

Accurately measuring the speed of a lacrosse shot presents several challenges that must be addressed to ensure fair and consistent results.

• Distance from the goal: The proximity of the shooter to the measuring device can affect the recorded speed.
• Radar gun quality: Higher-quality radar guns provide more accurate readings and require less precision from the shooter.
• Shooter accuracy: The ability of the player to shoot directly at the measuring device impacts the reliability of the speed measurement.

To maintain fairness in world record attempts, standardized conditions are established. These include consistent distances, calibrated equipment, and controlled environments to ensure that all competitors have an equal opportunity to showcase their skills.

Training Techniques for Increasing Shot Speed

Aspiring to increase shot speed requires a multifaceted approach to training. Players must focus on both physical conditioning and technical refinement to achieve optimal results.

Strength and Conditioning

1. Core strengthening exercises to improve rotational power
2. Upper body workouts focusing on shoulders, arms, and back
3. Lower body exercises to enhance leg drive and stability
4. Plyometric training to develop explosive power

Technical Drills

How can players improve their shooting technique? Incorporating specific drills into practice sessions can help refine the mechanics of a fast shot:

• Wall ball exercises to perfect hand positioning and release
• Footwork drills to optimize stepping and body alignment
• Torso rotation exercises to maximize torque generation
• Slow-motion shooting practice to focus on form and technique

Technology-Assisted Training

Modern training methods often incorporate technology to provide detailed feedback and analysis. High-speed cameras allow players and coaches to break down shot mechanics frame by frame, identifying areas for improvement that may not be visible to the naked eye.

The Future of Lacrosse Shot Speed

As players continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in lacrosse, the question arises: Can the current 127 mph record be broken? The consensus among experts is a resounding yes.

Factors Contributing to Future Records

• Ongoing advancements in equipment technology
• Improved training methods and understanding of biomechanics
• Increased focus on specialized skills like shot speed
• Greater pool of athletes participating in the sport

With players training harder than ever and equipment manufacturers continually innovating, it’s likely only a matter of time before we see a new record set. The combination of human potential and technological progress suggests that speeds exceeding 130 mph may be achievable in the near future.

Comparing Lacrosse Shot Speeds to Other Sports

To put lacrosse shot speeds into perspective, it’s interesting to compare them with projectile speeds in other sports.

Cross-Sport Comparison

• Baseball: Fastest pitch recorded at 105.8 mph (Aroldis Chapman)
• Golf: Fastest drive measured at 211 mph (Ryan Winther)
• Tennis: Fastest serve clocked at 163.7 mph (Sam Groth)
• Hockey: Hardest slapshot recorded at 110.3 mph (Zdeno Chara)

How does lacrosse compare to these other sports? While the projectiles and mechanics differ, lacrosse’s 127 mph record is impressive, especially considering the size and weight of a lacrosse ball compared to other sports equipment.

Unique Aspects of Lacrosse Shooting

Lacrosse shooting combines elements from various sports, requiring a unique blend of strength, technique, and equipment. The lacrosse stick acts as both a catching and throwing implement, adding complexity to the shooting motion that isn’t present in sports like baseball or golf.

Impact of Shot Speed on Gameplay

While record-breaking shot speeds are impressive, their practical application in competitive play is equally important to consider.

Advantages of Fast Shots

• Reduced reaction time for goalkeepers
• Increased scoring potential from longer distances
• Psychological impact on defensive players

How does shot speed affect scoring probability? From a distance of 10 yards, there’s a significant difference in a goalkeeper’s ability to react to an 80 mph shot versus a 100 mph shot. This speed differential can be the deciding factor between a save and a goal.

Balancing Speed and Accuracy

While high-speed shots are valuable, players must balance velocity with accuracy. In game situations, a slightly slower but more accurate shot may be more effective than a faster but less controlled attempt. Elite players work to optimize both aspects of their shooting to become truly formidable offensive threats.

As lacrosse continues to evolve, the pursuit of faster shot speeds will undoubtedly remain a focal point for players, coaches, and equipment manufacturers alike. The current record of 127 mph serves as both a testament to human achievement and a challenge for future generations of lacrosse players. With ongoing advancements in training, technique, and technology, we can expect to see even more impressive feats of lacrosse shooting in the years to come.

How Fast is the Fastest Lax Shot?

Lacrosse is the fastest sport on two feet, but a professional lacrosse player’s shot is even faster. Shot speed is an important factor on if a goal is scored or not, from 10 yards away there is a big difference between an 80 mph and 100 mph shot. Technique, strength and technology all play a vital role in how fast a player can shoot the ball. 

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Understanding the Fastest Lacrosse Shot
• The Record-Breaking Lacrosse Shot
• Other Notable Lacrosse Shots
• Challenges in Measuring Lacrosse Shot Speed
• Training and Technique for Increasing Shot Speed
• Technological Advances in Lacrosse Equipment
• Breaking the Record: Future Possibilities for Lacrosse
• Fastest Lacrosse Shot FAQs

The shooting mechanics of a player have a huge impact on how fast and accurate the shot will be. Having your hands in the right spot, taking a big step, and rotating your torso to create torque are the building blocks of an elite shooter. Of course technique alone will not grant every player the ability to shoot 100+ mph. A player’s physical strength and lacrosse stick setup will have an impact as well.

Introducing Nick Diegal, the current record holder for the fastest shot. Located at the 2020 annual lacrosse convention in Philadelphia, the stage was set for Nick to break the record for the fastest shot. Using an STX Ultra Power on an STX Fiber shaft, Nick shot a mind-blowing 127 mph! More than 10 mph faster than the previous record of 116 mph.

Paul Rabil brought light to the fastest shot record when he broke it in 2010 by shooting 111 mph. Paul made the fastest shot popular and this led to it being featured in the MLL All Star event and the annual lacrosse convention. In 2014 Zack Dorn, a non-professional player, got invited to the MLL All Star event where he shot a ball 116 mph, shattering Paul’s record. Zack opened the door for non-professionals to compete for the fastest shot, which eventually led Nick Diegal to compete as well.

Challenges measuring shot speed include distance from the goal, quality of the radar gun, and the accuracy of the shooter. Distance from the goal can have a factor on the recorded speed based on how far away the shooter is from the goal. Quality of the radar gun and accuracy of the shooter work together to provide a good reading. The higher quality radar guns require less accuracy from the shooter. World record attempts use the same conditions to host a fair environment for all competitors.

Torque is the key factor in increasing shot speed. To create torque a player needs to have their hands in the proper position on the lacrosse shaft, have their arms up and away from their body, and rotate their torso through the shot to unleash the fastest shot they can.

Since a player uses their entire body to shoot, proper training to increase upper and lower body strength is necessary to achieve higher speeds. Technology such as high-speed cameras can assist in the analysis of the player’s shot and allow the player to adjust their technique where needed.

Technology in lacrosse is always advancing not only the lacrosse heads and shafts, but the ball itself too. While shafts are getting lighter and more flexible, heads are getting more durable and accurate. This creates a lethal combination for elite players to be pushing 100 mph shot speed on in-game shots. Adding on that lacrosse balls are getting more texture and grip, we should see a player take the crown for fastest shot in the next couple years.

Can the current fastest shot record be broken? Absolutely. With players training harder than ever before and teams utilizing high-power shooters, the record will definitely be beaten. With players looking to shoot faster, demand for shafts that are lightweight and provide explosive torque are going up. Companies such as Epoch and True Temper utilize carbon fiber that flexes when a player shoots, allowing the player to put even more force behind their shots.

Nick Diegal has done something that no one thought was possible, shooting a lacrosse ball over 125 mph. However, now that this has been done players are training harder than ever to beat Nick’s record. Combined with shaft technology constantly improving to assist in higher shot speeds, there is no doubt the record can be beaten. Keep training, keep looking for the newest advancements in shaft and head technology and maybe you’ll be the next Nick Diegal.

How fast can a man throw a lacrosse ball?

The world record for the fastest shot is 127 mph, but with advancements in shaft and head technology that record can be beat.

How fast is the average men’s lacrosse shot?

The average men’s shot speed is 75-85 mph.

How do you get a fast shot in lacrosse?

Having proper technique is a great start, weight training and using the newest equipment will also help.

How fast can Paul Rabil shoot?

Paul Rabil’s fastest shot was clocked in at a whopping 111 mph!

The speed of sixes takes the PLL by storm

by Corey McLaughlin

Chrome goaltender Sean Sconone expected he would see a lot of shots during the Premier Lacrosse League’s Championship Series. He figured the games, played in the sixes format – six-on-six, on a smaller field with a 30-second shot clock, no long poles and on-the-fly substitutions in eight-minute quarters – would be fast. Then he stepped between into the goal and stared down some of the world’s best players. 

“It was way faster than I anticipated,” Sconone said. 

Which is telling. Of any of the 48 PLL pros who participated in the five-day tournament in Northern Virginia, the breakneck pace displayed in the nine games that averaged 87 total shots and 38 goals may have slowed down the most for Long Island, New York, native Sconone. In the Chrome’s 24-23 win over the Atlas in the series final on Sunday afternoon, the former University of Massachusetts goalie and 2022 PLL All-Star stopped roughly 45% of the 53 shots he saw. 

The game never quite slowed down for him, though.  

“Actually, getting all the shots and getting the up and down was…fast,” he said afterward at The St. James sports complex sitting at a table with the championship trophy beside him. 

Sixes, by design, is different than the traditional 11-on-11 field game. Almost everything is smaller (except for the size of the goals), including the field (there’s only 50 yards between the nets), rosters (12 players), and the length of defenders’ sticks.  

“Short sticks everywhere,” the Archers’ Will Manny said. “Wide open. There’s a lot of passing gaps.”  

And everything else is quicker. The shot clock and change of possession. There are only faceoffs at the start of quarters, and no shot backups. If the ball goes out of bounds, the team that touched it last loses possession. So, make or miss, “Every shot is a turnover,” Archers coach Chris Bates said. 

It was “basketball with sticks,” Atlas coach Steven Brooks said, “and I love it. I wish I was a player. It’s a really fun game. It’s fast action. All my family and friends that were here were just talking about, ‘I never realized lacrosse could be this fast.’ It’s the fastest game on two feet but that just made it faster.” 

Players play both offense and defense. Like in basketball, there were five “runners” on each team who played offense and defense unlike the specialized field game, and the PLL format also included a basketball-like 13-yard two-point arc. The only difference is the inclusion of goaltending.  

It was also part hockey, with constant substitutions. Players took hockey-like shifts, typically around 45 seconds to a minute, or two or three possessions. And it was fast. The games took roughly an hour of real time, again by design, as sixes is presented as a taste of the Olympic vision for lacrosse.  

“The reason why we’re doing sixes is that when we applied to get back into the Olympics, where lacrosse was once in 1904, ’08, and then the LA Games in ’32, is we had to create something that was not only gender-neutral but from a rules standpoint as well,” PLL co-founder Paul Rabil said during ESPNU’s broadcast of the final on Sunday. “Part of the criteria to try to get into the LA Games is by demonstrating that version right here.” 

“And I think we’ve demonstrated it,” ESPNU analyst and 2019 National Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee Ryan Boyle said. 

After the game, Rabil said, “When we play field lacrosse, someone scores you get together and decide how did that happen? Same thing in hockey, same thing in soccer. Different in basketball, you just know you’re going to get scored on. How do you play with that dynamic? How are you understanding an 8-minute quarter? A 30-second shot clock? A team with range in this version of sixes? What we saw Chrome do was have an incredible goaltender and in every possession, they were using the clock. This version of lacrosse is such a dynamic product.” 

From an Xs and Os perspective, sixes was clearly a players’ game.  

“It’s fun to watch,” Chrome coach Jacques Monte said. “There’s not a whole lot of coaching going on. It’s just so fast.”  

The only instruction that could really be done during games was at halftime or during timeouts, which coaches typically saved for late in the fourth quarter.  

“There’s not a lot you can do,” Bates, the former coach at Princeton University, said. “You want to go grab a guy and he’s back on the field in a second. What that does is give ownership to your guys on the field, which I like.” 

Archers veteran Marcus Holman said the pace reminded him of both his former basketball days and time playing box in the National Lacrosse League. On the tournament’s opening night, the Archers staged a second-half comeback against the eventual champion Chrome and won 23-22 in overtime.  

In the fourth quarter, “when we went stop score, stop score, maybe stop score, and they called a timeout, it was like college basketball, when the benches get hyped,” said Holman, the former University of North Carolina star attackman. “We got some momentum from that. It made me realize how different and unique this sixes style is.” 

The first thing Holman said after that game was “Sixes is fun.” He said the “non-stop element” of the format and the fact that players are tasked with playing both ends is more like box than the field game, which he likes.  

“We play attack in field, so half of the game we’re not involved. When the ball is on the other end of the field, we just stand there next to the defensemn, waiting to play offense,” he said. “I consider myself a lacrosse player, before an attackman, so I love to just run around and play, whether it’s sixes or box or whatever. You’re a bit more involved and it’s a little bit more fun. I think the general consensus from our team is that guys are having fun with it and figuring it out.” 

The biggest emphasis with the format, according to Brooks, a former Atlas player and currently their interim coach, was keeping players from getting tired given the speed of the game.   

“It’s managing the energy and effort that they have,” Brooks said. “I want them to feel fresh for a 1-minute shift, kind of like in hockey…because you don’t want to fall apart in the fourth quarter when it means the most.” 

This wasn’t the case for the Atlas on Wednesday, or over the next three days. In their opening pool game, they beat the Whipsnakes, 29-16, and entered the championship game undefeated having beaten teams by an average of nine points. But sixes strategy caught up with them in the end. In a semifinal rematch on Saturday night, the Whips ran a basketball-like full-field ride against them, with stout defender Ty Warner tracking Atlas two-point threat Romar Dennis. The Atlas still won, 30-21, to make the final, but after the championship game loss to the Chrome, Dennis, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound former Loyola University midfielder, said he thought they took a page from the Whipsnakes strategy, and admitted he was gassed from a grueling five games in five days.  

“Shooting on the run, with my weight, is really tiring. I’m worn down,” said Dennis, who scored a tournament-best 34 points and 15 two-pointers. “They tired me out.” 

Then he gave credit to Scanone, the Chrome goalie he faced on Sunday.  

Sixes isn’t a format that is fair to those between the pipes, Dennis said, but “Sconone is an unbelievable goalie… I’ve never seen him rattled.”  

So maybe Sixes did slow down for him, after all. Just enough. 

TOP 10 December 2019 NHL Goals – SportTalk – Blogs

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2019 is over, 2020 is ahead, which, we are sure, will be filled with bright hockey events. We wish all viewers of the channel a Happy New Year and wish you only positive emotions associated with hockey. Despite the holidays, the National Hockey League continues to delight us with cool matches, new records and, of course, beautiful goals. Today, by tradition, we will show you the TOP 10 NHL goals for December 2019. Let’s go!

10. Jason Zucker (Minnesota Wild)

Minnesota’s hottest combo opens the set, ending with Jason Zucker’s goal. Zuccarello played great in the tackle, and then Zucker and Staal played everything in one touch. Class!

9. Miles Wood (New Jersey Devils)

Next up is New Jersey forward Miles Wood and his crazy puck into the Ottawa goal. Of course, 90% of that goal came from Wayne Simmonds – just look at that pass! But it’s also not worth belittling Wood’s merits, the corps number 44 fought great.

Wood’s goal at 2:53

8. James van Riemsdyk (Philadelphia Flyers)

Line above James van Riemsdyk’s twin puck. We put this goal higher simply because the pass here turned out to be more filigree. It doesn’t fit in my head how Philip Myers cut out such a “candy”!

Van Riemsdyk’s goal from 2:50

7. Michal Frolik (Calgary Flames)

In seventh place, amazing puck control from Tobias Rieder and Michal Frolik’s goal. Many players would not even think of processing such a pass, and Ryder caught the puck in the air, played along with his skate and gave an accurate pass to a partner. Well played!

Frolik’s goal from 0:11

6. Carl Hagelin (Washington Capitals)

Sixth – Carl Hagelin, in the puck of which the transfer is also much more important. Richard Panik still managed to give a pass from under his foot, already losing his balance. Surprisingly, Hagelin managed not to score the first time, but then corrected himself. Yes, ruining such a transmission would be completely ugly.

5. Zach Parise (Minnesota Wild)

In the middle of the TOP, Minnesota forward Zach Parise and his amazing baseball skills. Bishop repelled a difficult shot for himself, and Parise, without hesitation, hit the puck that flew off. Yes, how did you get it, beauty!

Parise’s goal from 2:45

4. T.J. Oshie (Washington Capitals)

In fourth place are T.J. Oshie’s quick hands and, in general, the entire attack of “Washington”. An exemplary exit from the zone, a quick pass to the center and Oshi, who famously beat the opponent and accurately threw under the crossbar, despite the violation of the rules. Everything came together in this attack!

3. Mitch Marner (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Mitch Marner opens the three, who was simply ashamed to miss after the transfer of Auston Matthews. The Toronto leader beat Teravainen at the entrance to the zone, and then gave a blind pass after a spin-o-frame. Here it is outlined so outlined!

2. Roman Yosi (Nashville Predators)

Second in December – Nashville captain Roman Yosi and his run to the Ottawa goal. The Swiss did not seem to notice any resistance in his path – look how easily he succeeded in this handsome goal.

Yossi’s goal from 0:36

1.

Andrey Svechnikov (Carolina Hurricanes)

And the first – well, of course you know who! Andrey Svechnikov and his second lacrosse goal of the season. This time, Winnipeg suffered at the hands of the Russian master. Let me remind you that we chose Svechnikov’s first goal from goal was the best puck in October , now there is no doubt that this is the best puck in December. Enjoy!

Friends, we got such a TOP. Write in the comments if we forgot someone, put likes if you liked it and subscribe to the channel so as not to miss the best saves of December.

And SportTalk was with you, let’s hear from you!

Junior Hockey League – “I don’t see the point in banning lacrosse, it’s spectacular.” Sergey Murashov on the title of the best goalkeeper, his debut in the KHL and his readiness to score

Sergey Murashov is one of the most stable and reliable goalkeepers in OLIMPBET MHL.

During the past regular season, Sergei “dried” 11 games, and he was only two games “at 0” short of the league record. In the playoffs, Murashov also showed an impressive result, having passed the Mikhailov Academy and the Spartak MHC together with the team, and lost in the semifinals to the future champion, the Nizhny Novgorod Chaika. The successes of the Yaroslavl goalkeeper were duly appreciated by the league – Sergey was nominated for two awards at once: the best goalkeeper of the season and the MVP of the championship.

In an exclusive interview with the official website of the MHL, Sergei Murashov spoke about the closing ceremony of the MHL season, the bronze playoffs, the broken breadcrumbs and psychology.

“Watching the play-in, we were looking forward to the start of the “cutting” and the real “steam room” in the playoffs

– Summarize the season.
– The season, like all the previous ones, was not easy and very eventful. If we take the team result, then, of course, we wanted more, Loko had only one goal – the Kharlamov Cup. However, I think bronze is also a good result. We had a decent season, won the regular season, got a good experience in the playoffs. As for the personal goals that I set before the season, I won’t hide it, I didn’t manage to achieve everything. In general, I consider the season productive and I can add it to the asset, because I managed to play in the KHL and become the best goalkeeper in the MHL. I played many games for Loko, but there was a little understatement due to the fact that we did not take the cup.

– How did you react when you were chosen as the best goalkeeper of the JHL?
– It’s very nice! There are a lot of good goalkeepers in the League with great prospects, so I perceive the prize as a motivation to work further. Any personal nomination in the JHL is work for the future, because it will turn out ugly if the player is the leader in the JHL, and then gets lost at the adult level and everyone forgets about him. I’m glad that I was noted. I think I’m moving in the right direction. I have something to strive for.

– What can you say about your competitors for this award – Artemy Pleshkov and Ilya Nabokov?
– These are very good and trained goalkeepers, each of them is great at reading the game. I personally know Ilya Nabokov, he is a cool guy. Artemy is a fast goalkeeper who moves well in the net despite his size. I think that the release of the “Captain” in the “Golden” division is, to a large extent, his merit. Each of us had our own team goals, I did not think that it was necessary to become the best and beat the competition. In addition to them, there are many more goalkeepers in the MHL who could claim the title of the best.

– You were also nominated for MVP of the JHL Championship, didn’t you expect to see yourself in two categories at once?
– Yes, it was unexpected. If I was still thinking about the title of the best goalkeeper, then with MVP it was completely unexpected. I found out about this when I saw a notification from the MHL social networks, where I was marked. It was nice to see myself in another nomination, as the title of the most valuable player is also very honorable. This is the award that celebrates not just personal merits, but the contribution to team success.

– How would you rate the JHL Season Closing Ceremony?
– It was cool! It’s a really good event, a lot of familiar faces, it was nice to meet the guys who were also nominated for other awards. Most of all I remember the way we talked and discussed the season. It was fun because everyone told their own stories and jokes. It was great to listen to stories about matches when we played against each other, to see everything from the other side. Off the ice everyone is friends and communicates well. I myself am familiar with many of the League, so the rivalry is only present on the ice, off it is always interesting communication, jokes and a pleasant vibe.

– The best MHL sniper Alexander Morozov never scored against you this season, did you discuss it with him?
– By the way, we didn’t talk to him about it. Discussed the match on Sakhalin, when he did not score us a bullet, laughed at it. Only then Danya Kolyshev reminded me that Morozov really didn’t score against me, we didn’t focus on this.

– Seagull goalkeeper Lawrence Zinaddin was not among the contenders for the title of the best goalkeeper of the season, what can you say about his game?
– Of course, Lawrence made a huge contribution to the Chaika championship. The team will not win the cup with a bad goalkeeper – this is a well-known truth. We got to know him closely just recently – at the Future Cup in Minsk. He is a very nice guy, he told me a lot of useful things, I hope that I told him too. First of all, I was fascinated by the fact that for most of the season he was the second goalkeeper, he didn’t play so much, but at the right moment he came out and showed his best game, he was able to help the team win. Lawrence is a good goalkeeper with quick reactions who reads the game well. I hope he succeeds in big hockey.

– The first playoff round against Mikhailov Academy was very tense for Loko, did you expect this?
– To be honest, yes, we expected it. The fact that we entered the playoffs from the first place, and they from the eighth, these are just dry numbers. It’s no secret that the playoffs are already completely different games, everyone goes out and fights to the last, giving all his strength. Not everyone in our team had experience in cup matches, which is why the first round was difficult for us. Watching the play-in, we were looking forward to the start of the “cutting room” and the real “steam room” in the playoffs, as we later said in the locker room (smiles). Mikhailov Academy is a good opponent who plays well on defense. It was not easy, but a victory is a victory. If we passed, then we did everything right.

– After “Spartak” passed the “Red Army”, many experts bet on Muscovites. What helped you get past the red-and-whites so confidently in the quarter-finals?
– After the first round, we got into the rhythm of the game and felt for ourselves what the playoffs are, we started off first of all from our game. Spartak is a good team, where there are a lot of skilful guys, but we were absolutely not afraid of them. Open hockey “Spartak” played into our hands, we felt comfortable in such a game. There were many chances at both gates, we converted ours. Closer to the second round, I already found my game, it was easier, plus regular throws left me in good shape.

– Experienced players from Torpedo, who joined Chaika, played a key role in Nizhny Novgorod’s victory over Loko?
– They rather gave their team a boost. The same Vasya Atanasov – he always smiles, he really enjoys playing hockey. Experienced players helped Chaika, not hindered us. I’m not going to speak for them, Loko had their own difficulties, which, based on the result, we could not cope with. It was interesting to play against the guys from the KHL, on the ice it was felt that they have skill, they make decisions a little faster and see the court better, but just these “slightly”, “a little” and “quite a drop” play a key role in elimination matches.

– What difficulties did Loko have in the semi-finals?
– We have not been able to let go of the responsibility that we have taken on. Loko could have played more relaxed, we needed to perceive the playoffs a little easier. Perhaps we were prevented by pressure against the background of the fact that we were the first team in the regular season and therefore had to take the cup. In any case, this is a good experience for the future: you need to be able to let go of unnecessary responsibility and just play to win, giving all your strength.

– Did you blame yourself for Loko’s departure, or did you realize that you had done your best?
– Right after the game, of course, it was very disappointing. I sat in the locker room and realized that I could play better. I did not undertake to analyze the matches and the playoffs in general, during the week I tried not to think about it at all. Standing on the ice after the final siren of the third match with Chaika, while no one had arrived yet, I said to myself: “Grey, remember this moment and these feelings, remember them when it will be hard for you to train. ” This has become an additional motivation to work further, to strive for those goals that are really important and that you want to achieve. When the emotions from the defeat subsided, I began to analyze the playoffs and the season as a whole, I now speak some points from this analysis in an interview, for example, about responsibility. He calmly survived this, if you take any failure as an experience, you can achieve a lot in the future.

– You said that in the MHL in the West, hockey is more systemic and mature, while in the East it is more combinational. Judging by the eastern final, did combination hockey prove to be more effective?
– For the first time in many years, we saw the eastern final in the MHL. It is necessary to build on what will happen next: if the eastern finals take place more often, then combination gambling hockey will really prove its effectiveness. If this does not happen, then it is too early to judge that the combinational game of the East is better than the Western systems. In fact, the styles in conferences are not so different as to make loud conclusions that one system works, while the other is outdated and needs to be abandoned.

– You have already spent three seasons in the JHL, during which the Kharlamov Cup has changed three owners. Why do you think Loko’s dominance ended?
– It’s hard to say, because I was not in the championship team, I can’t say that they had something that we don’t have. The level of the league has grown, there are more teams that play great and cling to the cup. Also, Loko periodically changes, some ages are stronger, some are a little weaker, the coaching staff is changing. The last time the Kharlamov Cup with Loko was won by Dmitry Ivanovich Krasotkin, who now works in the first team. In no case do I detract from the dignity of the cups that the guys from Loko took before us – they really brought sincere joy to Yaroslavl, it was a great event for everyone. I don’t know what is missing now. Perhaps next year the Kharlamov Cup will be in Yaroslavl, we will work and give all our strength to make it a reality.

“If I get an opportunity to score a goal, I’ll be ready for it”

– You shut down 11 games in the regular season, only two games “at 0” were missing from the MHL record. Upset?
– Before the season there was a goal: to play ten matches “at 0”, it was more important. In general, I didn’t chase the record, I reasoned like this: “It would be cool to beat him, but if it doesn’t work out, it’s okay. The main thing is team victories. In principle, I didn’t have time to get upset – I had to prepare for the playoffs, think about the cup and elimination games. Maybe it will be possible to break the record next season, maybe someone else will break it. I am absolutely not worried about this, I have my own goals, which I adhere to in the first place.

– Do you remember the matches in which you had a shameful “crackers” break?
– In any case, I try to forget this, because goals conceded are rubbish that needs to be thrown out of my head, but I still remember such matches. We were leading about 6:0 after the second period in the home game against the “Captain”. Moreover, I had a series of three matches “at 0”, and we scored a goal – it was unpleasant. I remember playing at home before the New Year with Wings of the Soviets. We led 1-0 and we were scored in the last minute – a “cracker” broke and the victory in regular time, even though we later won in a series of shots. I also remember the away game with Spartak, in which we led 2-0, but at the last minute we were thrown by a rebound from our player. No one is to blame, such a combination of circumstances, but there is no “rusk” anymore. There were such matches, but they are all victorious – this is the main thing. It would be much more offensive to miss the puck in the last minutes with the score 0:0.

– Can you say something to the fielder if the puck ricochets off him into the net?
– No, I never have any complaints about the players on the ice. We all do the same thing, if we start yelling and swearing at each other, there will be a circus. If at the moment of a missed puck you can feel some kind of annoyance, then then everyone goes to the face-off, and you switch, the next throw is the most important one. I can only suggest something in the locker room so as not to repeat my mistakes in the future, but in no case do I swear. We are all civilized people, we know how to negotiate, and this is one of the most important skills in a team.

– Did you mention that you want to score a goal, do you practice shooting to the opponent’s goal?
– To be honest, it happens. I can go out five minutes early in front of the goalkeeper’s ice, put 10-15 pucks behind the net and imagine that there is a throw on the board, I stop the puck, turn around and shoot quickly. You need to understand that you have little time in the game, especially since you need to calculate the height at which the puck should fly. I sometimes train shots to the goal, it takes a little time and does not interfere with the training process. If the opportunity presents itself, I will be ready for it.

– What matches of the season do you consider your most successful and unsuccessful?
– In fact, there were quite a lot of successful games (smiles). I will single out the home matches against Spartak, which we won with a clean sheet, despite a large number of chances at our gates. I will also note the “dry” victories over the “Red Army” and “Dynamo”, these were interesting, principled and very emotional games. I can’t help but note the away victory in a series of shots over SKA-1946, it was a very tense match: we couldn’t win back for a long time, in the end we equalized, went through a chaotic overtime, in which I received a suspension, and won. If we take unsuccessful matches, I will name the defeat in overtime from Dynamo-Shinnik with a score of 5:6. It turned out to be a very fervent meeting, there were many moments in both directions. Then I missed the most goals in one game of the season. Moreover, there is such an atmosphere in Bobruisk that the stands drive their team and this plays into their hands. I will also name the first playoff match against Mikhailov Academy. I can’t say that it was unsuccessful, but it could have been better. I perceive such meetings primarily as an experience, everything happens for the first time, it’s okay. The main thing is to go to the end no matter what.

– Before the start of the season, you set yourself the goal of working on switching and moving in the goal, how would you rate the work done?
– I did what I wanted, and it gave the result – the brain began to switch to rebounds and finishing moves faster. I think all the current elements will also need to be improved next season, it would also be useful to work on strengthening the core muscles, add to athleticism and overall strength. I would also like to work on decision-making, to conduct so-called brain training, because it is involved in the game the most – you need to be able to control your body and make the right decisions, while spending a minimum amount of time.

– You have already played more than a hundred matches in the JHL, do you still have something to learn here?
– Of course, I would like to go further and take a step forward, to play in adult hockey. I think the result that I show in the JHL will only add to my confidence in this. Nevertheless, in this league there are a lot of good and skillful guys with non-standard solutions, who are not so experienced due to their age, but very playful and interesting with them too. I think that in the MHL I still have a lot to learn. The main thing that I can still learn here is to follow the cup to the end. The past season showed those weaknesses that prevented us from reaching the main goal.

“The body is an athlete’s tool. How you use it directly affects the result.”

– You made your debut in the KHL, playing against Sochi and conceding one goal. Satisfied with yourself?
– I’m not completely satisfied with myself in that match, but not because of the missed goal. It was simple, I do not argue, but this is not the indicator by which to judge. Even if I played “at 0”, it’s not a fact that this match would be indicative. After leaving the match, I experienced mixed emotions: I was glad that I had finally played in the KHL, because I had been following the games of the adult team since childhood. But I also understood that there are still a lot of subtle points that I need to improve.

– What are some specific moments you would like to share?
– The same switches, you need to make decisions faster. The most important thing is psychology, that match was tense, it was psychologically difficult, in this regard, you can also improve. And I repeat about athleticism, because the body is an athlete’s tool. How you know how to use it directly affects the result.

– Did you expect a new call to the first team?
– In fact, there was a plan according to which I was supposed to play Kunlun in January, but Lokomotiv had a difficult period at that time, so it didn’t work out. In February, there was no longer any talk about being called up to the KHL, I had matches for Loko, so we didn’t discuss these moments. At that time I didn’t think much about the first team, in the MHL I had my own tasks, we went from game to game.

– Does the lack of practice at the senior level affect the goalkeeper’s loss of optimal condition?
– Yes, in any case, you need to be able to rebuild and switch from one hockey to another, but this is a routine and not particularly difficult process that you can prepare for. Moreover, Rashid Davydov, a goalkeeping coach with vast experience, works for Lokomotiv, he helps a lot and suggests nuances that are worth paying attention to. They just help to move from youth hockey to an adult. This is not an insurmountable obstacle, just a working moment – a matter of practice, time and diligence.

– Did you discuss the possibility of joining the VHL to play at the senior level?
– No, I didn’t consider the VHL this season, because I had a lot of games for Loko. I spent the first full season in a team that plays for the result, because Loko-76 is a younger team, it has less responsibility. Plus, before the season, Rashid Davydov indicated that I would be connected to the first team, so the KHL was not considered.

“Each athlete must first of all develop as a person”

– Igor Shesterkin recently proposed to remove the field for attempting lacrosse, as this is disrespectful to the goalkeeper and his work.
– I don’t know where the disrespect comes from. In hockey, all means are good, if it does not cause any injuries, why not? I don’t see the point in banning lacrosse, it’s spectacular.

– In the past few years, there have been trends in lacrosse and goalkeeper shots. Have you noticed any trends in goalkeepers?
– The goalkeeper zone is limited to a zone of two by two meters, there are a lot of movements in a small space, you need to understand goalkeeper work in order to mark some bright moments. Now there is no obvious trend, there are just certain nuances in how goalkeepers play when attacking from the corner: someone plays with the skate for the post, someone goes into reverse. The same Igor Shesterkin has a great stick and plays a lot on exits, everything is individual for everyone, who is more comfortable.

– You said that you are calm about hate. Can you explain why they hate the best goalkeeper of the MHL?
– (laughs) For letting me through. In the season, by the way, there was less negativity, maybe I just spent less time on social networks. It happens that they write after not the most successful matches, insult, ask why I miss so much. I take everything with a smile, it’s funny to read, such messages do not cause me negative emotions. A hate is rather worse for the hater himself than for the one who is being hated.

– You like to delve into psychology, you know non-verbal language, how did you become interested in this area?
– I became interested in this at the age of 14. I remember I took a book on this topic from my sister, read it and I really liked it. Since then, step by step, book by book, I still read a lot in this area. This is individual for everyone, in addition to hockey in this world there is a lot more. I believe that every athlete should first of all develop as a person, because all top-level people are in sight, regardless of the sport. They have their own face and know how to show themselves in public. It is important to propagate this image of a developed and civilized person. I’m just interested in psychology, it helps to find a common language and understand another person. Even in a team, misunderstandings or conflicts sometimes occur, from which you also need to be able to get out correctly so that everyone is satisfied and gets what they want. Psychology is useful and interesting, I recommend it to everyone.

– You are the owner of the gold medals of the Youth Olympic Games and the Glinka / Gretzky Cup, which gold is more valuable to you?
– Any call to the national team is important and pleasant, no matter what tournament. When you put on the jersey of the Russian national team with your last name, it’s very nice. The Olympiad and Glinka are the most significant tournaments, which were especially pleasant to win. But even the victory at the recent Future Cup was important in the current conditions. It was great to spend time with the national team, work with coaches and talk to guys from different teams.

– Do you think that the squad that won the YOG and the Glinka/Gretzky Cup could make a fuss at the World Youth Championships?
– I think so. I don’t know if we will have the opportunity to check it, but if we take the 2004 team, they have not lost a single match from U16 to U18. This also applies to friendly matches, we won absolutely everything. This is a very strong team, there are a lot of skilful guys in it, I think we would 100% claim gold.

– Name the strongest young goalkeeper right now, not counting you.
– Actually there are a lot of them, I don’t even know who to choose. The same Artemy Pleshkov and Ilya Nabokov, Seryoga Ivanov and Gleb Saranchuk from SKA, Yegor Korzin from Spartak, Pyotr Kochetkov, Ivan Prosvetov, Dmitry Kulikov, who became the best goalkeeper in the VHL. I won’t list them all.

– How do you spend your holidays?
– We finished the national team tournament on May 31, so after the season I didn’t have much rest. Now I am in Turkey, here the sea, mountains, beach, sand, everything is as calm as possible. Sports only in the form of games such as football, volleyball and so on.