Are gold lacrosse shafts worth the investment. How do they compare to traditional materials. What are the benefits of using a gold lacrosse shaft. Discover the advantages and considerations of gold lacrosse shafts for players seeking to enhance their performance on the field.
The Rise of Gold Lacrosse Shafts in Modern Play
Gold lacrosse shafts have been gaining popularity among players looking to elevate their game with premium equipment. These eye-catching sticks are not just about aesthetics; they offer unique properties that can potentially enhance a player’s performance on the field. As the sport of lacrosse continues to evolve, so does the technology behind the equipment used by athletes at all levels.
Gold-colored lacrosse shafts are typically made from high-grade aluminum or titanium alloys, which are then given a gold-toned finish. This finish not only provides a luxurious appearance but also serves to protect the shaft from wear and tear. The use of these materials in lacrosse shaft construction aims to strike a balance between durability, weight, and performance.
Material Composition and Performance Benefits
The composition of gold lacrosse shafts varies depending on the manufacturer, but most are constructed using advanced alloys. These materials are chosen for their strength-to-weight ratio, which is crucial in a sport that demands both power and agility. Some of the common materials used include:
- Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Scandium alloys
- Titanium composites
- Carbon fiber (for hybrid shafts)
Each material brings its own set of benefits to the table. For instance, aluminum alloys offer excellent durability and affordable pricing, while scandium alloys provide superior strength with minimal weight. Titanium composites are known for their exceptional strength and resistance to bending, making them a popular choice among defensive players.
Why Choose a Gold Lacrosse Shaft?
Players opt for gold lacrosse shafts for various reasons beyond their attractive appearance. Some of the key benefits include:
- Enhanced visibility on the field
- Improved grip and control
- Potential psychological advantage over opponents
- Increased durability compared to some traditional materials
- Unique feel and balance that can complement a player’s style
The golden hue of these shafts can make it easier for teammates to spot passes in fast-paced game situations. Additionally, many players report that the smooth finish of gold shafts provides a superior grip, especially when paired with high-quality tape or grip enhancers.
Comparing Gold Shafts to Traditional Materials
When evaluating gold lacrosse shafts against their more conventional counterparts, several factors come into play. Traditional materials like wood and basic aluminum have been staples in lacrosse for decades, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks.
Gold vs. Wood Shafts
Wood shafts, once the standard in lacrosse, offer a classic feel and natural flex that some players prefer. However, gold shafts outperform wood in several areas:
- Lighter weight for improved handling and speed
- Greater durability and resistance to splintering
- Consistent performance in various weather conditions
- Ability to customize weight distribution
Gold vs. Standard Aluminum Shafts
While both gold and standard aluminum shafts are made from metal alloys, gold shafts often incorporate more advanced materials and manufacturing processes:
- Higher strength-to-weight ratio
- Better vibration dampening properties
- More refined balance and feel
- Potential for improved shot velocity due to material properties
The Impact of Gold Shafts on Player Performance
Does the use of a gold lacrosse shaft truly make a difference in a player’s performance? While much depends on individual skill and preference, many players report noticeable improvements in their game after switching to a gold shaft.
The lightweight nature of gold shafts can lead to quicker stick movements, potentially improving a player’s ability to dodge defenders or make rapid passes. The balance and feel of these shafts may also contribute to more accurate shooting, as players can develop a better sense of the stick’s position and movement.
Moreover, the psychological aspect should not be underestimated. Wielding a premium gold shaft can boost a player’s confidence, which in turn may positively affect their performance on the field. This confidence can be particularly beneficial in high-pressure situations during games.
Maintenance and Longevity of Gold Lacrosse Shafts
Investing in a gold lacrosse shaft often means committing to proper maintenance to ensure its longevity. While these shafts are designed for durability, they still require care to maintain their performance and appearance over time.
Cleaning and Care Tips
- Regularly wipe down the shaft with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt and sweat
- Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the finish
- Inspect the shaft for dents or scratches after each game or practice
- Store the shaft in a cool, dry place to prevent corrosion
- Use appropriate grip tape to protect the shaft and enhance control
With proper care, a gold lacrosse shaft can last for several seasons, making it a worthwhile investment for serious players. The durability of these shafts often surpasses that of lower-quality alternatives, potentially saving money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Customization Options for Gold Lacrosse Shafts
One of the appealing aspects of gold lacrosse shafts is the ability to customize them to suit individual preferences and playing styles. Many manufacturers offer customization options that allow players to create a truly unique piece of equipment.
Popular Customization Choices
- Engraving player names or numbers
- Adding team logos or personal designs
- Selecting specific grip patterns or textures
- Choosing between different shades of gold or metallic finishes
- Opting for hybrid designs that incorporate other materials like carbon fiber
These customization options not only make the shaft more personal but can also enhance its functionality. For example, a player might choose a textured grip area to improve handling in wet conditions or select a specific weight distribution that complements their playing position.
The Cost Factor: Are Gold Lacrosse Shafts Worth the Investment?
Gold lacrosse shafts typically come with a higher price tag compared to standard options. This premium pricing reflects the advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and potential performance benefits associated with these shafts. For many players and parents, the question arises: Is the investment justified?
To determine if a gold lacrosse shaft is worth the cost, consider the following factors:
- Level of play (recreational, high school, college, professional)
- Frequency of games and practices
- Long-term durability compared to cheaper alternatives
- Potential impact on performance and enjoyment of the game
- Personal budget and financial considerations
For serious players who compete regularly and are looking to gain every possible advantage, the investment in a gold lacrosse shaft may be justified. The potential improvements in performance, combined with the shaft’s durability, can make it a cost-effective choice over time.
However, for casual players or those just starting out, a more affordable option might be more appropriate. It’s important to remember that while equipment can enhance performance, it is no substitute for practice, skill development, and proper technique.
Choosing the Right Gold Lacrosse Shaft for Your Game
Selecting the ideal gold lacrosse shaft requires careful consideration of various factors. Players should assess their playing style, position, and personal preferences to find a shaft that complements their game.
Key Factors to Consider
- Shaft length and diameter
- Weight and balance
- Flex and stiffness
- Grip texture and feel
- Compatibility with preferred head styles
- Brand reputation and warranty options
It’s advisable to test different gold shafts before making a purchase, if possible. Many sporting goods stores and lacrosse specialty shops offer demo programs that allow players to try out equipment before committing to a purchase.
Additionally, seeking advice from coaches, experienced teammates, or lacrosse equipment experts can provide valuable insights into which gold shaft might be best suited for an individual player’s needs and goals.
Popular Brands and Models
Several reputable brands offer high-quality gold lacrosse shafts, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some popular options include:
- STX Surgeon Sci-Ti in Gold
- Maverik Apollo in Matte Gold
- East Coast Dyes Carbon Pro 2.0 in Gold
- StringKing Metal 3 Pro in Gold
- Epoch Dragonfly Elite in Gold
These brands are known for their innovation in lacrosse equipment and have developed gold shafts that cater to a variety of playing styles and preferences. Research each option thoroughly and read reviews from other players to gain a better understanding of how these shafts perform in real-world situations.
The Future of Gold Lacrosse Shafts and Equipment Innovation
As technology continues to advance, the future of gold lacrosse shafts looks promising. Manufacturers are constantly researching and developing new materials and construction techniques to enhance performance and durability while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of gold-finished equipment.
Emerging Trends and Technologies
- Integration of smart technology for performance tracking
- Development of even lighter and stronger alloys
- Improved eco-friendly manufacturing processes
- Enhanced customization options through 3D printing
- Incorporation of nanotechnology for superior strength and flexibility
These advancements may lead to gold lacrosse shafts that not only look impressive but also provide even greater performance benefits. As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, we can expect to see further innovations in equipment design, with gold shafts likely remaining at the forefront of premium options.
Players and coaches should stay informed about these developments, as new technologies may offer significant advantages on the field. However, it’s important to balance the pursuit of cutting-edge equipment with the fundamentals of skill development and teamwork, which remain the cornerstones of success in lacrosse.
Regulations and Compliance for Gold Lacrosse Shafts
While gold lacrosse shafts offer numerous benefits, it’s crucial for players to ensure that their equipment complies with official regulations. Different leagues and levels of play may have specific rules regarding shaft materials, dimensions, and even color.
Common Regulatory Considerations
- Length restrictions for different positions (attack, midfield, defense, goalie)
- Diameter and circumference limits
- Prohibitions on certain materials or construction methods
- Rules regarding shaft colors and finishes
- Safety standards for equipment integrity
Before investing in a gold lacrosse shaft, players should consult their league’s rulebook or speak with officials to confirm that their chosen equipment is permitted. This is particularly important for high school and college players, where equipment regulations tend to be more stringent.
Most reputable manufacturers design their gold shafts to meet standard regulations, but it’s always wise to double-check, especially if the shaft has been customized or modified in any way.
Staying Compliant While Maximizing Performance
To ensure compliance while still benefiting from the advantages of a gold lacrosse shaft, players can:
- Choose shafts from manufacturers known for meeting regulatory standards
- Regularly inspect equipment for wear and tear that could affect compliance
- Keep informed about any rule changes that might impact equipment choices
- Work with coaches and officials to address any questions or concerns about equipment legality
By staying informed and proactive about equipment regulations, players can enjoy the benefits of gold lacrosse shafts while maintaining fair play and adhering to the rules of the game.
The Role of Gold Lacrosse Shafts in Player Development
While equipment alone doesn’t make a great player, high-quality gear like gold lacrosse shafts can play a significant role in player development. These premium shafts can contribute to skill improvement and confidence building, especially for dedicated athletes looking to refine their game.
Skill Enhancement Opportunities
Gold lacrosse shafts can facilitate skill development in several ways:
- Improved stick handling due to optimal weight and balance
- Enhanced shot accuracy from consistent flex and feel
- Better passing precision with responsive shaft dynamics
- Increased confidence in ground ball situations
- Refined overall stick control and maneuverability
As players become accustomed to the performance characteristics of their gold shaft, they may find it easier to execute complex moves and techniques. This can lead to more effective practice sessions and better in-game performance.
Building Confidence and Mental Game
The psychological aspect of using premium equipment should not be underestimated. Players wielding a gold lacrosse shaft may experience:
- Increased confidence in their abilities
- A sense of professionalism and commitment to the sport
- Motivation to practice and improve to match their equipment quality
- Enhanced focus during games and critical moments
This boost in confidence can translate into improved performance on the field, as players feel more assured in their capabilities and are more likely to take calculated risks that can lead to game-changing plays.
It’s important to note, however, that while gold lacrosse shafts can contribute to player development, they are not a substitute for dedicated practice, proper coaching, and a strong work ethic. These premium shafts should be viewed as tools to enhance an already solid foundation of skills and commitment to the sport.
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Alexander Guskov: “The MHL is the foundation of professional hockey clubs”
KHL Vice President for Youth Hockey Development Alexander Guskov spoke in an interview about the advantages of the reform of the MHL championship, the League’s place in the Russian hockey system and the benefits of playing in it for young people hockey players.
Alexander Guskov has been in charge of the MHL since March 2020. In 2022, the league underwent a major reform – the division of the conferences into the “Gold” and “Silver” divisions. The 2022/2023 season championship is the first to be held under the new formula. The best teams of each conference according to the results of the past season got into the “Golden” divisions. The divisions will change each season, with the worst team in the Gold division swapping places with the best team in the Silver division, and a play-in system between teams from both divisions will be used to determine the playoff participants.
“Intrigue, competition and level of competition have increased in the JHL”
– Did the League get the expected effect from the reform? If yes, what does it mean?
– We will make final conclusions after the season. But there are some things we can say right now. The division of the JHL brought additional intrigue to the championship, increased competition and the level of competition, which, in turn, contributes to the professional growth of players.
In all four divisions there is a bright struggle. Let me remind you that the teams that play in the “Gold” divisions of the Western and Eastern conferences are trying to be in the top five, getting into which guarantees a place in the playoffs. The clubs of the “Silver” divisions are fighting for the top three in order to get into the play-in, which will determine the rest of the Kharlamov Cup participants.
– Which teams stand out this season with a plus sign?
– There is a very tight fight for the top three in the Silver division of the Eastern Conference. The third and sixth teams are a few points away, the table is constantly changing. The Tyumen Legion, which has not made it to the playoffs since 2015, is fighting for the top three. In the West, “Captain” looks good. This club has also not played in the Kharlamov Cup for a long time, but now it is one of the leaders of the Silver division.
– Did the current championship open new names?
– 16-year-old SKA-1946 striker Ivan Demidov shows a mature game beyond his years.
In two incomplete seasons in the MHL, he has 20 goals. Among players under the age of 17, only Nikita Kucherov and Matvey Michkov scored more. In Spartak, 20-year-old forward Yegor Chezganov stands out. In the “Captain” – his peer, goalkeeper Artemy Pleshkov, who during the season began to be attracted to Sochi. Alexander Shen performs in Mammoths of Yugra. He is only 16 years old, but he is already one of the team leaders and the best MHL sniper among the players born in 2006. In general, new names, new “stars” appear in the JHL every year. We are waiting for them to get places in the KHL teams in due time.
– What arguments could you give to support the words about the increase in the level of competition in the JHL?
– The percentage of matches ended with a difference of five goals or more in favor of one of the teams, the lowest in the last five years. And there have been no matches at all in the 2022/2023 season that would have ended with a double-digit difference in the score.
Also, the Silver Division teams show that they have a good level. They can beat anyone. In the West, almost a third of the matches between teams from different divisions ends with the victories of the representatives of the “Silver”.
– How did the championship reform affect the calendar?
– It has become more rhythmic and less eventful – 50 matches instead of 64 in the first stage for each team. If in the 2021/2022 season there were 64 days in the JHL when eight or more meetings were played, then in the 2022/2023 championship there were 35 such days. This is important for the guys. They need to rest and in no case should the training process be neglected. At the age of 16-20 years, he should be full. Young hockey players need to hone their skills and then apply them in the game.
Division into groups increased the proportion of matches between opponents of comparable level. Teams from the “Gold” and “Silver” divisions meet twice – at home and away.
Previously, everyone played each other four times.
The League was also able to ensure that clubs did not travel to the Far East twice in a season. Now such a flight is made only once, which allows you to save significant funds.
“MHL has become self-sufficient”
– The number of teams in the JHL has increased from 22 to 37 compared to the first season. Does this indicate an increase in the importance of the League? Is there anyone who wants to join the JHL from the 2023/2024 season?
– Before each season there are teams that want to become new members. We are glad that in the regions there is a desire to develop young hockey players, we are glad to expand the League and develop its popularity, but the number of participants cannot grow indefinitely. At the forefront is quality, professional development, competition. We review each application very carefully. The club must comply with all requirements of the regulations.
The MHL team has become an important part of the KHL and VHL club systems.
– Before the 2022/2023 season, SKA-Karelia, AKM-Junior, Dynamo-Shinnik and Krasnoyarskiye Rysi joined the OLIMPBET of the MHL Championship. Do these clubs have any problems?
– They met all the requirements “from and to”. “SKA-Karelia” was created on the basis of the state school of the Olympic reserve, this is a high status. In the Tula region, very serious attention is paid to youth hockey, AKM-Junior is already the second team in the League after the Mikhailov Academy. The clubs complied with the requirements and were included in the composition of the JHL participants.
We are happy about the return of the Dynamo-Shinnik team. This is a plus for the League – after all, Belarus has its own school, traditions and meetings between teams from different countries – this is useful. And for Dynamo Minsk, which got the opportunity to have a reserve, to draw up the vertical of the club.
Dynamo-Shinnik is coached by the experienced Andrey Mikhalev, who has played for a long time in the KHL and in the Belarusian national team, including at the Olympics and World Championships. For young guys, working with such a mentor is a big plus.
A full-fledged hockey vertical is being built in Krasnoyarsk, and the appearance of the MHL team is an important step for its development. They have had teams in the VHL and WHL for a long time, before the Krasnoyarsk Lynx played in the NJHL, and the transition to the MHL is a serious step for the team and all players.
“The MHL is practically the same KHL, only at the youth level”
– The 2022/2023 season is the 14th in the history of the MHL. What place has the League taken in the system of Russian hockey over the years?
– Our League is the first step in professional sports. The MHL team is the foundation of a professional hockey club. The League regulations are synchronized with the KHL regulations.
This suggests that the League has a high standard. The guys playing in the JHL are learning what lies ahead for them. The MHL is practically the same as the KHL, only at the youth level. Our approach to everything is mature and meets the highest requirements.
In the JHL, a player receives a professional contract. He begins to interact with agents, journalists, fans. We have our own marketing, our own communications service, since 2019 we have title sponsors. Matches are shown on KHL TV. Last season, there was a record number of broadcasts on TV channels – 165. MHL beats YouTube viewing records, and since the 2022/2023 season we have also reached the federal level – now Match TV broadcasts some MHL matches. Also, when teams arrive for games, a dress code for players has been introduced, similar to the KHL.
Thus, having played at least one season in the JHL, a person understands what awaits him in the KHL in terms of organization. Therefore, our League plays a very important role in the development of any young hockey player – both in terms of playing, and in everyday life, and in terms of attitude to work.
– Is the MHL fully coping with the role of a launching pad for the career of hockey players?
– Of course he does. MHL graduates successfully play not only for clubs, but also for the Russian national team. The Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic gold team included 15 MHL graduates. 19 silver medalists at the 2022 Olympicsgraduates.
JHL team leaders get a chance in KHL teams. They go through pre-season training with the main teams of the system and make their debut in the squad. For example, the leader of the “Red Army” Prokhor Poltapov is now a player in the main team of CSKA, the current holder of the Gagarin Cup. Yaroslav Likhachev, who became the most valuable player of the 2021/2022 season in the MHL, the leader of Amur, got to the Fonbet KHL All-Star Game 2022. Experience in the MHL helps the professional development of not only players, but also coaches. Traktor head coach Anvar Gatiyatulin coached the Polar Bears, Nikolai Zavarukhin (Avtomobilist) led the Siberian Snipers, Igor Grishin (Spartak) led the Russian junior team and Tolpar.
At the same time, of course, we do not stand still, we are working on improving both the level of the championship and everything that accompanies the game. In 2023, the League’s seven-year development strategy will end. Now we are working on a new one, and after its approval, we will tell you about the further vector of development.
– How many MHL players move to the KHL?
– The MHL launched in the 2009/2010 season, when players born in 1988-1993 played. 733 hockey players have played this season in the KHL, of which only 20 were born before 1988 years old. With the exception of foreigners and a few players who played in North America as juniors, we understand that everyone else went through the MHL school and played at least one match in the Youth League.
About 7,000 players have played in the MHL for all the time, respectively, about 10% of the players who played in the MHL moved to the KHL. From the outside it may seem that this is a small value, but we understand that the competition is much higher in the KHL and the best young people make their way there, and the KHL is the tip of the iceberg.
Everything is like in the life of any person: universities give thousands of graduates, but the best ones make a career in top companies.
If we are talking about recent seasons, before the pandemic (2018/2019), 70 hockey players under the age of 20 played in the KHL, a year later – 82, in the 2020/2021 season – 124, which is a record. In the 2021/2022 championship, 85 hockey players under the age of 20 played, this is more than in the seasons before the pandemic. This season there are only 50, but at the same time, players born in 2002 fall under the “limiters”, and there are 50 of them! Only three years of birth have more.
– And how many people join the MHL every year from schools?
– Every year more and more players from the youngest year of birth enter. The 2021/2022 season was a record for the number of such players – 120 hockey players born in 2005 made their debut in the League. There is a steady trend towards rejuvenation of the League.
In the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons, 85 and 86 junior year players, respectively, made their debuts, in the two seasons before, 74 and 76. In the 2022/2023 season, as of November 10, 78 players born in 2006 have already debuted, this figure is growing every week – and we expect a figure close to the record of the 2021/2022 season. At the same time, you can play in the MHL not only at 16, but also at 17, 18 and even older. Prokhor Poltapov scored his first goals for the main team at 19years. He, like many other players, became the leaders of the MHL teams only towards the end of his youth career. If a child did not qualify for the MHL team immediately after school, it’s okay, there are many examples when talented hockey players were revealed later.
– Is it possible to compare the numbers of the competition for places in the leading universities of Russia and the JHL teams?
– The League is monitoring the situation in all Russian regions. There are more than 800 hockey schools in Russia, with more than 1000 private ones.
At the same time, future KHL hockey players are concentrated in 120 Russian schools, which at first glance is a small percentage, but in fact this situation is typical for many sports. The annual potential graduation from hockey schools in Russia is about 27,000 people, according to the experience of several seasons, the estimated number of places for newcomers to the MHL and NMHL teams is about 570, that is, the competition is 47 people per place. This corresponds to the competition for a secondary specialty at a top university. That is, if the child did not become a hockey player, but went on with a normal life without hockey, then the probability of getting into the MHL corresponds to the probability of being enrolled in a secondary specialty at a top university.
– Can you remember your way to the top level without the JHL and compare with today’s reality? How much easier is it now for young players to get to the top level?
– It seems to me that now the vertical is built more clearly and gives more chances to prove themselves.
Not all young players are able to immediately overcome the stage from a sports school to an adult team. An intermediate stage is needed, in which young players play in a professional team, improve their skills and compete for awards. The MHL provides such an opportunity. Previously, young players played in the second teams of Superleague clubs, where there was a limit on age players, but in general there were no age restrictions. Quite young guys sometimes had to fight with the peasants. In fact, they throw you into the water and wait for you to swim out or not. Now the transition is smoother.
– Is the age between 16 and 20 the most important in a hockey player’s career?
– This age is very important when becoming a player. For many, it is at this time that the basic qualities are formed, the transition to a higher level is carried out. But do not forget that some players are revealed later. To draw categorical conclusions that a person has no prospects is not worth it either at 16 or at 18 years old.
– Whose career path would you use as an example for all young players? For example, Kirill Kaprizov went through all the stages of becoming in Russia
– I think that Kaprizov is a vivid example of how to build your career. Kirill started in the MHL, in the KHL he won the Gagarin Cup with CSKA, with the Russian team – the 2018 Olympics. Arseniy Gritsyuk developed in the Omsk Hawks and won the Gagarin Cup with Avangard, was one of the key players in the Russian team at the Olympics. Anton Burdasov is a graduate of the Chelyabinsk school and the Polar Bears, another winner of the Gagarin Cup, winner of the MFM. Vladimir Grudinin is the winner of the Gagarin Cup with CSKA and a graduate of the Red Army. MHL Playoff MVP 2018/2019 seasonVladimir Galkin successfully plays for Avtomobilist. The best sniper in the history of the MHL Anton Nazarevich is a player of the main squad of Sibir. Ilya Konovalov is the MHL champion with Loko, now he is a Dynamo Moscow player.
There are many examples of players who went through the JHL school and became excellent hockey players. For example, Olympic champions Alexei Marchenko, Nikita Nesterov, Yegor Yakovlev, Nikita Gusev, Mikhail Grigorenko, Sergey Kalinin and many others, which the younger generation should pay attention to.
– Is there a problem with the outflow of young players to the ocean?
– It existed acutely before the creation of the MHL, now we see that the trend is smoothing out. This stage allows guys who cannot immediately get into the KHL and VHL teams to get game practice. The vast majority of players born under 1990 have experience playing in the MHL. When the generation completely changes, almost all Russian KHL players will have experience in the MHL. As for the move, a lot depends on the hockey player and his environment. I would like to emphasize once again that in Russia the development conditions for young players are no worse than overseas, and sometimes even better.
Getting to the KHL All-Star Game is an additional incentive to show your skills
– The idea of the program is that young players who haven’t signed professional contracts after finishing school still get a chance to get into one of the MHL clubs. To do this, in the summer the League organizes a three-week training camp, within which training sessions and two exhibition games are held. The process is monitored by the coaches of the JHL teams, scouts, specialists.
– How many players signed contracts in the JHL with the help of Your Chance? How successful are their careers?
– In three years – 23 hockey players. Among them is Daniel Usmanov, who played for Atlant and Spartak. Moreover, Usmanov was involved in the junior national team of Russia, now he plays in the VHL for Khimik in the first team, and now he is already involved in the games of the KHL club. Roman Darin played for Atlant and Wings of the Soviets. Nikita Demyanov plays for the St.
Petersburg Dynamo. Arkady Zubert – for Almaz. Emil Salnikov – for “Wings of the Soviets”.
– Will Your Chance continue in 2023?
– Yes, it is in the plans. How hard it is sometimes given to transition from children’s hockey to youth hockey and beyond, I know from myself. You can’t put an end to the guys if they couldn’t sign a professional contract right after school. They need to be given a chance.
– What other projects does the Youth Hockey League implement?
– Before the pandemic, the MHL successfully held the World Cup among youth club teams from Russia and abroad. For nine years, 46 teams from 15 countries took part in it, since 2012 the tournament has been sanctioned by the International Ice Hockey Federation. In 2018 and 2019The World Cup was held on the basis of the educational center “Sirius”, before that it was held in different cities of Russia. International matches involving youth teams are a very rewarding experience and a great interest for fans.
Current KHL players Nikolay Kovalenko, Roman Lyubimov, Daniil Yurtaikin, Anton Krasotkin gained experience in international matches at the World Cup.
Also, the MHL together with the Student Hockey League are implementing a joint program “Study! Play! Become the best! Thanks to it, hockey players with experience playing in the JHL can receive higher education and play for student teams. Another title event of the MHL is the Challenge Cup, which since 2017 has been part of the Week of Hockey Stars. In the match of the best players of the League from two conferences, not only the owner of the trophy is determined. The top four players get the opportunity to participate in the Master Show and the KHL All-Star Game, which is very prestigious and an additional incentive to show their skills.
Dossier
Alexander Alexandrovich Guskov
Born on November 26, 1976 in Gorky (Nizhny Novgorod)
Kar player’s career: “Lada” – 1997-99, “Tractor” – 1998-99, 2013-14, Neftekhimik – 1999-01, 2014-15, Lokomotiv – 2001-04, 2007-11, 2012-13, Ak Bars – 2004-05, Avangard – 2004-06, ” Lada – 2006-07, CSKA – 2011-13, Severstal – 2013-14.
