Discover the advantages of gold lacrosse shafts. How do they enhance performance. What makes them stand out from other materials. Are they worth the investment. Explore the world of premium lacrosse equipment.
The Allure of Gold Lacrosse Shafts: More Than Just Aesthetics
Gold lacrosse shafts have been gaining popularity among players of all levels, from amateur enthusiasts to professional athletes. These eye-catching pieces of equipment aren’t just about looks; they offer a range of benefits that can significantly impact a player’s performance on the field.
Gold-colored shafts are typically made from high-quality materials such as aluminum alloys or carbon fiber, which are then given a gold finish. This finish not only provides a luxurious appearance but also offers additional protection against wear and tear.
Why Choose a Gold Lacrosse Shaft?
- Durability: The materials used in gold shafts are often more resistant to dents and bends
- Weight: Many gold shafts are designed to be lightweight, improving maneuverability
- Grip: The finish on gold shafts can provide better grip, especially in wet conditions
- Aesthetics: Stand out on the field with a unique and eye-catching piece of equipment
Performance Benefits of Gold Lacrosse Shafts
While the golden hue may catch the eye, it’s the performance benefits that truly set these shafts apart. Players who opt for gold lacrosse shafts often report improved handling and shot accuracy. The question arises: how do gold shafts contribute to better performance?
The answer lies in the engineering behind these shafts. Many gold lacrosse shafts are designed with precision weight distribution, allowing for better balance and control. This can lead to quicker stick movements and more accurate passing and shooting.
Key Performance Features
- Balanced weight distribution for improved control
- Vibration dampening properties for better feel
- Enhanced durability for consistent performance over time
- Optimized flex points for increased shot power
Material Composition: What Sets Gold Lacrosse Shafts Apart
The term “gold lacrosse shaft” can be somewhat misleading, as these shafts are not made of solid gold. Instead, they typically utilize advanced materials that are then given a gold finish. Understanding the materials used in these shafts is crucial for players looking to make an informed decision.
Common Materials Used in Gold Lacrosse Shafts
- Aluminum alloys: Lightweight and durable
- Carbon fiber: Offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Titanium: Provides superior strength and lightness
- Composite materials: Combine multiple materials for optimal performance
Each material has its own set of advantages, and manufacturers often use proprietary blends to create shafts that offer the best combination of strength, weight, and feel. The gold finish is typically applied through anodizing or other advanced coating processes, which not only provide the distinctive color but also add an extra layer of protection to the shaft.
Customization Options for Gold Lacrosse Shafts
One of the appealing aspects of gold lacrosse shafts is the ability to customize them to fit individual preferences and playing styles. Many manufacturers offer a range of customization options, allowing players to create a shaft that is truly unique.
Popular Customization Choices
- Shaft length: Tailored to position and player height
- Grip texture: Smooth, sandpaper-like, or rubberized
- End cap design: Weighted or standard for shooting preference
- Engraving: Personal touches like names or numbers
Customization can significantly impact a player’s comfort and performance on the field. For instance, a midfielder might opt for a slightly shorter shaft for quicker maneuverability, while a defender might prefer a longer shaft for increased reach.
Comparing Gold Lacrosse Shafts to Other Options
When considering a gold lacrosse shaft, it’s important to understand how it stacks up against other options on the market. While gold shafts offer numerous benefits, they may not be the best choice for every player.
Gold vs. Traditional Lacrosse Shafts
| Feature | Gold Shafts | Traditional Shafts |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Often lighter | Varies |
| Durability | Generally higher | Depends on material |
| Cost | Typically higher | More affordable options available |
| Aesthetics | Unique, eye-catching | Standard appearance |
While gold shafts often offer superior performance and durability, they may come with a higher price tag. Players must weigh the benefits against their budget and personal needs when making a decision.
Maintenance and Care for Gold Lacrosse Shafts
Investing in a gold lacrosse shaft means taking proper care of it to ensure longevity and consistent performance. Proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of your equipment and help maintain its aesthetic appeal.
Essential Maintenance Tips
- Clean regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt and debris
- Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the finish
- Store in a cool, dry place when not in use
- Inspect regularly for signs of wear or damage
- Use appropriate tape or grip enhancers to protect the shaft
By following these maintenance tips, players can ensure that their gold lacrosse shaft remains in top condition, both in terms of performance and appearance. Regular care not only preserves the shaft’s integrity but also helps maintain its resale value should you decide to upgrade in the future.
Top Brands Offering Gold Lacrosse Shafts
Several leading lacrosse equipment manufacturers have recognized the demand for gold lacrosse shafts and have incorporated them into their product lines. These brands combine cutting-edge technology with aesthetic appeal to create shafts that perform as good as they look.
Notable Brands and Their Gold Shaft Offerings
- STX: Known for their innovative designs and high-performance materials
- Maverik: Offers a range of gold shafts with varying flex profiles
- Warrior: Combines durability with sleek aesthetics in their gold shaft line
- ECD: Focuses on lightweight gold shafts for improved handling
- StringKing: Provides customizable gold shaft options for personalized performance
Each brand brings its own unique approach to gold lacrosse shafts, often incorporating proprietary technologies and materials. Players should research and compare different brands to find the shaft that best suits their playing style and preferences.
The Impact of Gold Lacrosse Shafts on Playing Style
Choosing a gold lacrosse shaft can have a significant impact on a player’s style and approach to the game. The unique properties of these shafts can influence everything from shot power to defensive maneuvers.
How Gold Shafts Affect Different Positions
- Attackmen: Benefit from increased shot accuracy and quick release
- Midfielders: Appreciate the lightweight nature for faster transitions
- Defenders: Utilize the durability for aggressive checking and poke checks
- Goalies: May find improved control and quicker outlet passes
Players often report that switching to a gold shaft requires an adjustment period but ultimately leads to improved performance. The enhanced feel and responsiveness of these shafts can allow for more precise stick handling and passing, potentially elevating a player’s overall game.
Price Points and Value Considerations for Gold Lacrosse Shafts
Gold lacrosse shafts typically come with a higher price tag compared to standard options. Understanding the value proposition of these premium shafts is crucial for players and parents considering the investment.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Gold Lacrosse Shafts
- Material quality: Higher-grade alloys or composites increase cost
- Manufacturing process: Advanced techniques for superior performance
- Brand reputation: Well-known brands often command higher prices
- Customization options: Personalized features can add to the cost
While the initial investment may be higher, many players find that the durability and performance benefits of gold shafts offer good value over time. It’s important to consider long-term use and potential performance improvements when evaluating the cost.
Regulations and Rules Regarding Gold Lacrosse Shafts
Before purchasing a gold lacrosse shaft, it’s crucial to understand any regulations or rules that may affect its use in official play. Different leagues and levels of competition may have specific guidelines regarding equipment specifications.
Common Regulatory Considerations
- Length restrictions: Ensure the shaft meets position-specific length requirements
- Material restrictions: Some leagues may have rules about shaft composition
- Color regulations: Verify that gold shafts are permitted in your league
- Grip tape rules: Understand limitations on grip enhancements
Players should always check with their league or governing body to ensure that their equipment, including gold lacrosse shafts, complies with all relevant rules and regulations. This prevents any issues or penalties during official games.
The Future of Gold Lacrosse Shafts: Trends and Innovations
As lacrosse equipment technology continues to advance, gold lacrosse shafts are likely to evolve as well. Manufacturers are constantly researching and developing new materials and designs to improve performance and durability.
Emerging Trends in Gold Lacrosse Shaft Design
- Smart technology integration for performance tracking
- Eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes
- Advanced weight reduction techniques for improved handling
- Customizable flex profiles for position-specific performance
These innovations promise to further enhance the benefits of gold lacrosse shafts, potentially making them an even more attractive option for players looking to gain a competitive edge. As technology progresses, we can expect to see gold shafts that not only look impressive but also offer unprecedented levels of performance and customization.
Making the Switch: Tips for Transitioning to a Gold Lacrosse Shaft
Transitioning from a traditional lacrosse shaft to a gold one can be an exciting but challenging process. Players may need to adjust their technique and playing style to fully capitalize on the benefits of their new equipment.
Adapting to Your New Gold Lacrosse Shaft
- Start with practice sessions to get a feel for the new shaft
- Experiment with different grip positions and techniques
- Pay attention to changes in shot power and accuracy
- Gradually incorporate the new shaft into game situations
- Be patient and allow time for muscle memory to adjust
Remember that any equipment change may temporarily affect performance as you adapt. Give yourself time to become comfortable with your new gold lacrosse shaft, and don’t be discouraged if it takes a few practices to see improvement.
Gold Lacrosse Shafts in Professional Play
The adoption of gold lacrosse shafts by professional players has contributed significantly to their popularity. Many top athletes have made the switch to gold shafts, citing improved performance and feel as key factors in their decision.
Notable Professional Players Using Gold Shafts
- Paul Rabil: Known for his powerful shots with a customized gold shaft
- Lyle Thompson: Utilizes a gold shaft for precise ball control and passing
- Kyle Harrison: Advocates for the lightweight properties of gold shafts
- Rob Pannell: Credits his gold shaft for improved shooting accuracy
The endorsement of gold lacrosse shafts by professional players has not only increased their visibility but also provided valuable feedback for manufacturers to further refine and improve their products. This professional input helps drive innovation in the field, ultimately benefiting players at all levels.
Selecting the Right Gold Lacrosse Shaft for Your Playing Style
Choosing the perfect gold lacrosse shaft involves considering various factors that align with your individual playing style and position. It’s not a one-size-fits-all decision, and taking the time to evaluate your needs can lead to a more satisfying purchase.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gold Lacrosse Shaft
- Position-specific requirements (attack, midfield, defense, goalie)
- Personal preferences for weight and balance
- Desired level of flex and stiffness
- Budget constraints and value considerations
- Brand reputation and warranty options
It’s often helpful to test different gold shafts before making a purchase. Many sporting goods stores and lacrosse specialty shops offer demo programs that allow players to try out equipment before committing to a purchase. This hands-on experience can be invaluable in finding the perfect gold lacrosse shaft for your needs.
The Environmental Impact of Gold Lacrosse Shaft Production
As environmental concerns become increasingly important in all industries, the lacrosse equipment sector is no exception. The production of gold lacrosse shafts raises questions about sustainability and ecological impact.
Addressing Environmental Concerns in Gold Shaft Manufacturing
- Use of recycled materials in shaft production
- Eco-friendly coating processes for the gold finish
- Sustainable packaging initiatives by manufacturers
- End-of-life recycling programs for used shafts
Some manufacturers are taking proactive steps to reduce the environmental footprint of their gold lacrosse shafts. This includes using recycled aluminum, developing water-based coating techniques, and implementing take-back programs for proper disposal or recycling of old equipment. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, we can expect to see further innovations in sustainable production methods for gold lacrosse shafts.
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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.
