Top high school lacrosse players 2021. Top 25 High School Lacrosse Players to Watch in 2023: Rising Stars Across the Nation

Who are the top high school lacrosse players to watch in 2023. Which regions are producing the most talented players. How are these athletes impacting the sport at the high school level. What makes these players stand out on the field.

Table of Contents

Northeast Region: Powerhouse Players Dominating the Field

The Northeast region continues to be a hotbed for lacrosse talent, producing some of the most skilled players in the country. Let’s take a closer look at five standout athletes who are making waves in this competitive area:

Owen Duffy: St. Anthony’s Versatile Attackman

Owen Duffy, a senior at St. Anthony’s in New York, has carved out a unique path for himself in the lacrosse world. Breaking from tradition, Duffy has committed to North Carolina, diverging from the usual Tobacco Road route taken by his predecessors. Ranked No. 4 in the Class of 2023 by Inside Lacrosse, Duffy’s versatility on the field is his greatest asset. How does Duffy contribute to his team’s success? As a rare junior captain, he excels in multiple aspects of the game:

Feeding from X position
Finishing plays with precision
Carrying the ball effectively

His well-rounded skill set makes him a formidable opponent and a valuable asset to his team.

Cal Girard: Manhasset’s Faceoff Specialist

Cal Girard, a senior from Manhasset, New York, stands out as one of only two returning USA Lacrosse All-Americans on Long Island this spring. What makes Girard such a dominant force on the field? His prowess at the faceoff position is unmatched, combining:

Exceptional strength
Impressive speed
Ability to create quick offensive transitions

These qualities have earned him the reputation of being an “animal at the faceoff” according to his coach, Keith Cromwell. Girard’s skills were instrumental in guiding Manhasset to the New York State Class C title last year, and as a Duke commit, he’s poised for even greater achievements.

Leo Hoffman: Brunswick’s Midfield Maestro

Leo Hoffman, a senior at Brunswick School in Connecticut, stands out even among a team stacked with future Division I players. Ranked No. 2 in the Class of 2023 by Inside Lacrosse, Hoffman’s impact on the field is undeniable. What sets Hoffman apart from his peers? His coach, David Bruce, highlights several key attributes:

Constant triple threat positioning
Ability to dodge, shoot, or feed with equal proficiency
Lightning-fast first step that keeps defenders on their heels

As a Penn commit and USA Lacrosse All-American, Hoffman’s leadership and skill make him a player to watch in the coming season.

Matt Jeffery: Cheshire’s Multi-Sport Phenom

Matt Jeffery, a junior at Cheshire in Connecticut, proves that elite lacrosse talent can be found beyond the traditional powerhouse regions. What makes Jeffery such a unique athlete? His diverse sporting background contributes to his success on the lacrosse field:

Three-sport star (lacrosse, football, basketball)
Quarterback of the school’s football team
Basketball guard

This multi-sport experience translates into exceptional athleticism on the lacrosse field. As a lefty midfielder committed to Notre Dame, Jeffery’s 115-point sophomore season showcases his potential as a constant scoring threat.

Hunter Spiess: Brunswick’s Defensive Anchor

Hunter Spiess, a senior defender at Brunswick School in Connecticut, rounds out our Northeast lineup with his exceptional defensive skills. What makes Spiess such a formidable defender? His coach, David Bruce, points to several key qualities:

Adaptability to different types of attackmen
Excellent off-ball defense
Leadership as the quarterback of Brunswick’s defense
Confidence in transitioning to offense when needed

As a Princeton commit, Spiess brings a combination of speed, strength, and hockey-honed ground skills to his defensive game.

Mid-Atlantic Marvels: Rising Stars in a Lacrosse Hotbed

The Mid-Atlantic region continues to produce some of the most talented lacrosse players in the country. Here are five standout athletes making waves in this competitive landscape:

Mac Christmas: McDonogh’s Versatile Long Stick Midfielder

Mac Christmas, a senior at McDonogh in Maryland, has been turning heads throughout his high school career. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-4, Christmas brings a unique set of skills to the long stick midfielder position. What makes Christmas such a valuable asset on the field?

Exceptional guarding abilities
Knack for causing turnovers
Proficiency in winning ground balls

As a Duke commit, Christmas is poised to make a significant impact in his final year of high school before taking his talents to the collegiate level.

Ryan Duenkel: St. John’s Offensive Dynamo

Ryan Duenkel, a junior attacker at St. John’s in Washington D.C., may not be the biggest player on the field, but his impact is undeniable. Ranked as the No. 1 junior in the country, Duenkel’s versatility and activity on the field make him a constant threat. How does Duenkel contribute to his team’s success?

Ability to play effectively from various offensive positions
Key player in helping the team overcome graduation losses
Proven track record of performance on a nationally-ranked team

Duenkel’s contributions were instrumental in St. John’s success last year, and he’s expected to play an even larger role this season.

Caleb Fyock: St. John’s Stalwart Goalkeeper

Caleb Fyock, a senior goalkeeper at St. John’s in Maryland, anchors his team’s defense with exceptional skill. What sets Fyock apart from other goalkeepers in the region?

Soft hands that prevent rebounds
Ability to make both routine and spectacular saves
Excellent play outside the cage
Quick and accurate distribution after securing the ball

As an Ohio State commit, Fyock’s skills between the pipes will be crucial to St. John’s success in the coming season.

Nate Kabiri: Georgetown Prep’s Sharpshooter

Nate Kabiri, a senior attacker at Georgetown Prep in Maryland, stands out as the team’s primary scoring threat. What makes Kabiri such a dangerous offensive player?

Pure shooting ability
Quick release
Skill in varying shot angles
Excellent change of direction to create shooting opportunities

Beyond his individual scoring prowess, Kabiri has also demonstrated an ability to create shots for his teammates. As a Princeton commit, he’ll look to lead Georgetown Prep’s offense in his final high school season.

McCabe Millon: McDonogh’s Top-Ranked Senior

McCabe Millon, a senior attacker at McDonogh in Maryland, holds the distinction of being the No. 1 ranked senior in the country. What qualities have earned Millon this top ranking?

Dynamic dodging ability
Aggressive approach to attacking the goal
Ambidextrous finishing skills
Versatility that allows for various offensive strategies

As a Virginia commit, Millon is poised to lead McDonogh in his final year before taking his talents to the collegiate level.

Southern Standouts: Emerging Talents in a Growing Lacrosse Region

While the South may not be traditionally associated with lacrosse powerhouses, the region is producing increasingly talented players who are making their mark on the national stage. Let’s examine some of the top players emerging from this area:

Sean Browne: Episcopal School of Dallas’ Rising Star

Sean Browne, from the Episcopal School of Dallas in Texas, represents the growing lacrosse talent in the southern United States. While specific details about Browne’s playing style and achievements were not provided in the original text, his inclusion in this list of top players to watch suggests he possesses exceptional skills and potential. How is Browne contributing to the growth of lacrosse in Texas?

Likely showcasing high-level skills that are attracting attention beyond state borders
Potentially inspiring younger players in the region to pursue lacrosse
Helping to elevate the level of play in Texas high school lacrosse

As lacrosse continues to gain popularity in the South, players like Browne are crucial in demonstrating the region’s ability to produce top-tier talent.

Midwest Momentum: Lacrosse Talent Flourishing in the Heartland

The Midwest has seen a significant rise in lacrosse participation and talent development in recent years. While specific players from this region were not mentioned in the original text, it’s important to acknowledge the growth of the sport in this area. How is the Midwest contributing to the national lacrosse landscape?

Increased participation in youth and high school programs
Development of competitive club teams and tournaments
Growing number of college recruits coming from Midwest high schools

As the sport continues to expand in the Midwest, we can expect to see more players from this region making national rankings and contributing to collegiate programs across the country.

Western Wonders: Lacrosse Talent Emerging from the West Coast

The West Coast has been steadily building its reputation as a lacrosse hotbed, producing increasingly competitive players and teams. While specific players from this region were not detailed in the original text, it’s crucial to recognize the impact of Western lacrosse on the national stage. How is the West Coast shaping the future of lacrosse?

Emergence of strong high school programs in California, Washington, and Oregon
Increased representation in national tournaments and all-star teams
Growing number of West Coast players earning Division I scholarships

As lacrosse continues to gain popularity on the West Coast, we can anticipate seeing more players from this region making their mark on national rankings and contributing to top collegiate programs.

The Impact of Top High School Players on College Recruitment

The players highlighted in this list represent the cream of the crop in high school lacrosse, and their performances have significant implications for college recruitment. How do these top players influence the collegiate lacrosse landscape?

Early commitments to top Division I programs
Potential to make immediate impacts as freshmen
Influence on team strategies and playing styles at the college level

Many of the players mentioned, such as McCabe Millon (Virginia commit) and Cal Girard (Duke commit), have already secured spots at prestigious lacrosse programs. Their high school performances and potential for growth make them highly sought-after recruits who could shape the future of collegiate lacrosse.

The Future of High School Lacrosse: Trends and Predictions

As we examine the top high school lacrosse players of 2023, several trends and potential future developments become apparent. What can we expect for the future of high school lacrosse based on the current crop of top players?

Continued expansion of the sport into non-traditional lacrosse regions
Increased emphasis on multi-sport athletes in lacrosse recruitment
Growing importance of specialized positions like faceoff specialists
Rise of versatile players who excel in multiple aspects of the game

The diverse skill sets and geographical distribution of the players highlighted in this list suggest that high school lacrosse is evolving and expanding in exciting ways. As the sport continues to grow, we can anticipate seeing even more talented players emerging from various regions across the country.

Training and Development: Nurturing the Next Generation of Lacrosse Stars

The exceptional skills displayed by the top high school lacrosse players of 2023 raise questions about the training and development processes that produce such talented athletes. What factors contribute to the success of these top players?

Year-round training and conditioning programs
Participation in elite club teams and showcase events
Access to advanced coaching and tactical instruction
Emphasis on proper nutrition and injury prevention

Many of the players mentioned, such as Leo Hoffman and Hunter Spiess from Brunswick School, benefit from high-level high school programs that provide excellent coaching and competitive environments. Additionally, participation in multiple sports, as seen with Matt Jeffery from Cheshire, can contribute to overall athleticism and game awareness.

The success of these top players also highlights the importance of early skill development and exposure to high-level competition. As the sport continues to grow, ensuring access to quality coaching and development opportunities for young players across all regions will be crucial in maintaining a strong pipeline of talent for high school and college lacrosse.

25 High School Boys’ Lacrosse Players to Watch in 2023

PHOTO BY JOHN STROHSACKER

McCabe Millon (McDonogh) is the top senior in the country according to Inside Lacrosse.

Thu Mar 23 2023 | USA Lacrosse Magazine Staff | High School
High School Boys

Take a look at 25 of the top high school boys’ lacrosse players to watch in 2023. Organized by region, we highlight five players each from the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest and West. The players are listed alphabetically by last name.

NORTHEAST

Owen Duffy, St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), A, Sr.

Duffy went against the mold, heading down Tobacco Road from former Friars Brennan O’Neill and Andrew McAdorey to play for North Carolina. And while those ACC showdowns should be terrific, St. Anthony’s coach Keith Wieczorek is happy to have the throwback, do-it-all attackman back for another year. A rare junior captain a year ago, Duffy, ranked No. 4 in the Class of 2023 by Inside Lacrosse, can feed from X, he can finish and he can carry.

Cal Girard, Manhasset (N.Y.), FO, Sr.

There’s just two returning USA Lacrosse All-Americans on Long Island this spring and the area’s top faceoff guy, who helped guide Manhasset to the New York State Class C title a year ago, is one of them. The Duke-bound senior is a four-year starter who is called an “animal at the faceoff” by Manhasset head coach Keith Cromwell. Girard has that combination of strength and speed, which means he rarely loses a clamp and can immediately create quick offense with his ability to push transition.

Leo Hoffman, Brunswick (Conn.), M, Sr.

On a loaded team of future high-major Division I players, Leo Hoffman is the alpha male. The Penn-bound senior, ranked No. 2 in the Class of 2023 by Inside Lacrosse, was a USA Lacrosse All-American as a junior.

“He is constantly in a triple threat position, ready to dodge, shoot or feed,” Brunswick School coach David Bruce said. “His first step is also quicker than most others on the field, which forces his defenders to play on their heels.”

Matt Jeffery, Cheshire (Conn.), M, Jr.

Yes, they play lacrosse outside of Fairfield County in Connecticut and Jeffrey is proof elite lax can also be found in New Haven County. A three-sport star at Cheshire, the USA Lacrosse All-American is ranked No. 2 in the Class of 2024 by Inside Lacrosse, thanks in part to an obscene 115-point sophomore season. The quarterback of the school’s football team and a basketball guard, the lefty midfielder, who verbally committed to Notre Dame, is a freak athlete who is a constant scoring threat.

Hunter Spiess, Brunswick (Conn.), D, Sr.

Looking for a lockdown defender who rarely has a misstep? Spiess is your guy. The Princeton-bound senior is a chameleon with a long pole, able to adjust to whatever type of attackman is trying to take him on. He’s just as good off-ball as the quarterback of Brunswick School’s defense.

“Fast, strong and a hockey guy, he’s really dangerous off the ground and is confident on the offensive side of the field,” Bruce said. “This is all while covering the opponent’s No. 1 attackman.”

— Dylan Butler

MID-ATLANTIC

Mac Christmas, McDonogh (Md.), LSM, Sr.

Christmas has been a noticeable standout throughout his scholastic career. The 6-foot-4 LSM is on a new team for his final year of high school before heading to Duke. Christmas brings the valuable tools of being able to guard, cause turnovers, and win the ball on the ground at the highest level.

Ryan Duenkel, St. John’s (D.C.), A, Jr.

The versatile attacker isn’t big, but he’s active and can help the offense from a variety of spots. The No. 1 ranked junior in the country was a force as a sophomore for the nation’s best team, and he is expected to help the Cadets weather some of their graduation losses.

Caleb Fyock, St. John’s (Md.), G, Sr.

An exceptional stopper at the other end of the field for St. John’s, Fyock has soft hands and doesn’t give up rebounds. The Ohio State commit comes up with the routine and is good for a few big saves. He make plays outside the cage, and once he has secured the ball he quickly and accurately distributes it.

Nate Kabiri, Georgetown Prep (Md.), A, Sr.

A pure shooter, Kabiri is Georgetown’s top scoring threat. He has a quick release and ability to vary the angle well, and he uses a great change of direction to get his hands free. The Princeton commit also has shown an ability to create shots for teammates.

McCabe Millon, McDonogh (Md.), A, Sr.

Millon has developed into a dynamic dodger who attacks the goal aggressively and can finish with either hand. His versatility allows McDonogh to use him any number of ways, and the No. 1 senior in the country is poised to lead the Eagles in his final year before joining Virginia.

— Justin Feil

SOUTH

Sean Browne, Episcopal School of Dallas (Texas), A, Jr.

Sean Browne returns for his junior year after a 54-goal, 40-assist 2022.The Virginia commit, who is widely considered one of the few five-star recruits in the region, is called the QB of his team’s offense by coach Jay Sothoron. He carries over strong athleticism from the basketball court and uses that ability to dodge defenses.

Jordan Faison, Pine Crest (Fla.), M, Sr.

Jordan Faison is widely considered one of the top two-sport athletes in the country. He was Pine Crest’s leading scorer a year ago with 43 goals. He is committed to Notre Dame, where it appears he will play both football and lacrosse.

Beckett Foley, Dallas Jesuit (Texas), M, Jr.

With fellow scorer McAllister Hobbs in the college ranks, Beckett Foley appears poised to become Jesuit’s leading scorer. He notched 43 goals a season again. He is committed to Iona in 2024.

Caden Harshbarger, Lake Mary (Fla.), M, Jr.

One of the top junior midfielders in the country, Caden Harshbarger returns after a 44-goal, 35-assist sophomore season. He is committed to North Carolina. Given his 6-1 frame, he is considered a top playmaker with his size and speed.

Jack Schulte, St. Andrew’s (Fla.), A, Sr.

Jack Schulte led St. Andrew’s in goals in 2021 and 2022 in the squad’s quest to back-to-back state championships. After a 40-goal sophomore campaign, Schulte put up 60 goals and 53 assists in 2022. The attacker is committed to Air Force.

— Justin Boggs

PHOTO BY K.M. KLEMENCIC

Jack Jenkins of Hudson (Ohio) topped 125 points and 70 ground balls last spring.

MIDWEST

Jack Jenkins, Hudson (Ohio), A, Sr.

Jenkins played a critical role in the Explorers reaching states for the first time since 2016, topping 125 points and 70 ground balls. His big performances included five goals in Hudson’s 19-12 regional title game win over St. Ignatius. He also had five goals in the regional semifinals against Hoover and three goals and three assists in the previous round against Green.

Nikolas Menendez, Culver Academy (Ind.), D, Jr.

A Harvard commit, Menendez is a top-tier defender for one of the top lacrosse teams in the country. Beyond his success throughout the 2022 season for the Eagles, Menendez has continued to compile rave reviews from talent evaluators.

Crandall Quinn, Forest Hills Central (Mich.), G, Sr.

A senior staple in net, Crandall Quinn was a key part of the Rangers’ perfect 2022 campaign. Per FHC coach Andy Shira, “His experience, top-level play in net, clearing ability and vocal leadership will be a big asset for our defense.”

Nate Schwitzenberg, Loyola Academy (Ill.), D, Sr.

The cliche is that defense wins championships and that was certainly the case for the Ramblers last season. Led by Schwitzenberg, a Notre Dame commit, Loyola held its last six foes to seven goals or fewer en route to a state title, holding those opponents to 4.33 goals per game.

Colin Vickrey, Culver Academy (Ind.), G, Sr.

The Eagles have stockpiled some of the nation’s top goalie prospects, and with an injury to Adam Blind, now at Harvard, Vickrey got to show off his immense talent last season against some of the top programs in the country. Faring well against the likes of McDonogh (Md.), and expect Vickrey to be a force yet again in 2023.

— Jonah Rosenblum

WEST

Ben Beachum, La Costa Canyon (Calif.), M, Sr.

Considered a top 30 prospect in his recruiting class, Beachum is a smooth two-way playmaker. He’s tall, ambidextrous and athletic and will be heading to play for Penn next year.

Andrew Cook, Torrey Pines (Calif.), G, Jr.

A 6-foot, 175-pound athlete, Cook has been making big saves for Torrey Pines since he was a freshman and recorded 12 stops in the San Diego Open final. He had a 7.1 goals against average last year and made 173 saves in 21 games. Cook is committed to Johns Hopkins.

Finn Hauhuth, Arapahoe (Colo.), A, Sr.

The University of Maryland-bound attackman finished his junior season with 24 goals and 11 assists, but played his best in the state final to help Arapahoe claim the Class 5A title. He finished with four goals and one assist in that game.

Jack Kiefer, Cherry Creek (Colo.), D, Sr.

A solid man-to-man and positional defender, Kiefer began his lacrosse career as an offensive player, so he prides himself on his stick-handling, but he’s best known for his takeaway ability. He’s 6-foot-3, 195 pounds and headed to Duke next year.

Brett Koopman, Santa Fe Christian (Calif.), D/LSM, Sr.

A threat to score from anywhere inside the restraining line, Koopman brings the combination of exceptional hands, a hard shot and strong dodging ability. He’s aggressive pressing for turnovers and pushing transition, he creates havoc and he brings a strong lacrosse IQ. Koopman is headed to UNC next year.

— Laurel Pfahler

Players to Watch in Illinois

The 2023 season kicks off on February 27th in Illinois. To get you prepared for the season, we compiled the list of the top 2023 and 204 high school boys’ lacrosse players to watch.

Where are they coming from?

Editor’s note: This is not an exhaustive list of committed athletes in Illinois. We originally put this together a couple weeks ago.

Illinois has 24 players committed to D1, D2, and D3 programs. Most of the players come from in and around Chicago. Wheaton Academy has five players committed, Loyola Academy has four players, and Benet Academy and St. Viator Academy both have two players committed. The map below shows where the committed players are coming from in Illinois.

Where are they going?

Illinois has 13 players committed to playing Division 1 lacrosse. Two players from the Class of 2024 are committed to the United States Air Force Academy and two players from the Class of 2023 are headed to Colgate University. Two of the three Division 2 commits are headed to play for Chris Ryan at Mercyhurst.

2023 D1 Commits

Nate Schwitzenberg ’23
High School: Loyola Academy
Position: Defense
College: Notre Dame

Dylan Behnke ’23
High School: Lakes Community High School
Position: Midfield
College: Colgate

Jack Carrabine ’23
High School: Lake Forest High School
Position: LSM
College: Colgate

Cade Faulkner ’23
High School: St. Viator High School
Position: Attack
College: Utah

Dylan Groff ’23
High School: Evanston Township High School
Position: Defense
College: Rutgers

Mitchell Maibuecher ’23
High School: Notre Dame High School College Prep
Position: LSM
College: Cleveland State

Sean Mullan ’23
High School: Maine South High School
Position: Attack
College: Marist

2024 Division 1 Commits

Ben Dale ’24
High School: Millbrook School
Position: Attack
College: Providence

Mikey Edell ’24
High School: Wheaton Academy
Position: Defense
College: Air Force

Michael Frieri ’24
High School: Benet Academy
Position: FOGO
College: Air Force

Mikey Usterbowski ’24
High School: Marist High School
Position: Attack
College: Bellarmine

Evan O’Brien ’24
High School: Oak Park River Forest
Position: Defense
College: Bellarmine

Mattix Groves ’24
High School: Naperville
Position: Attack
College: Cleveland State

Daniel Dorszewski ’24
High School: Palatine
Position: Goalie
College: Hofstra

Aiden Weisenborn ’24
High School: Wheaton Academy
Position: Midfield
College: Army

Division 2 Commits

Drew Deney ’23
High School: Warren Township High School
Position: Attack
College: Mercyhurst

Jaret Jawor ’23
High School: Wheaton Academy
Position: Goalie
College: Mercyhurst

Lucas Winger ’23
High School: Glenbrook South High School
Position: Goalie
College: Le Moyne

Division 3 Commits

Easton Bello ’23
High School: Loyola Academy
Position: Attack
College: Colby

Luke Bobby ’23
High School: Loyola Academy
Position: Defense
College: Nazareth

Joseph Busch ’23
High School: Benet Academy
Position: Defense
College: Haverford

Luke Calcagno ’23
High School: Wheaton Academy
Position: Attack
College: Stevenson

Michael Hudik ’23
High School: South Elgin High School
Position: Midfield
College: Aurora

Jameson Kane ’23
High School: Loyola Academy
Position: Midfield
College: Ithaca

Davis Schneider ’23
High School: Wheaton Academy
Position: Attack
College: Grove City

Kane Snyder ’23
High School: St. Viator
Position: Midfield
College: FDU-Florham

Cort Welch ’23
High School: Bloomington-Normal LC
Position: Attack
College: Aurora

Thank you to Inside Lacrosse who I referenced to put the list of names together. Good luck in the 2023 season!

“I don’t see a small player – I see a good player.” What they say about the new drafted Belarusians overseas

NHL Draft
Event

July 25, 2021

Reaction to the choice of Klimovich, Kolosov and Kuzmin.

On the night from Saturday to Sunday, a very successful NHL Draft 2021 for Belarus ended. Three of our players were selected in the top 100 at once – forward Danila Klimovich (No. 41, Vancouver Canucks), goaltender Alexey Kolosov (No. 78, Philadelphia Flyers), and guard Dmitry Kuzmin (No. 82, Winnipeg Jets). We talked about the talent fair in detail in our online – there are a lot of interesting things there.

Klimovich – in Vancouver, Kolosov – in Phil, Kuzmin – in Winnipeg. How Belarusians were chosen in the NHL Draft

And now we will tell you what opinion has developed about our guys across the ocean – what representatives of clubs, experts and journalists wrote and said about Belarusians.

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Publication from Hockey Belarus (@hockey.by)

Klimovich and risks

Danila Klimovich six months ago no one took seriously overseas. The striker received an excellent boost after the Junior World Championship in Texas, where he scored six goals in five matches. As a result, Vancouver used their first pick in the draft specifically for the Belarusian in the second round (on the first day, the Canucks did not select anyone). And many were apprehensive about this decision of the Canadian club. Author of The Athletic Scott Wheeler carefully talks about Danila’s prospects in the strongest league in the world.

– The choice of Klimovich at number 41 is quite risky, but this is normal. Danila is a great sniper and deserved a pick in the second round. At the same time, he not only has a powerful throw, but also knows how to look for a position for a threat. Klimovich is a rather exciting project, which, with proper development, is able to play in the top 9 NHL teams.

Experts note Danila’s wrist throw. Klimovich shoots hard and accurately from any position – even if it is necessary to press the puck to the body and go around the defender, the forward will find a way to land a dangerous shot. Danila is seen as a scorer, but in order to remain productive, he needs to generate the maximum possible number of chances, including on the majority. At the same time, Klimovich can collect pucks both from the right and from the left flank of the attack. North American scouts note minor flaws in skating, but believe that these problems can be corrected if Danila spends a year in the Quebec league and works with special coaches.

Experts believe that the power of Klimovich should not be underestimated. It’s hard to play against Danila in the corners, he knows how to fight with power. At the same time, a powerful body does not in the least affect the starting speed of a hockey player – Klimovich explodes and gains a maximum in three steps. Scouts are also impressed by Danila’s emotionality on the ice – sometimes adrenaline helps the forward overcome difficulties on the ice, and he begins to play the usual good hockey.

So far, the representatives of Vancouver are very pleased with their choice. Canucks scout Todd Harvey admitted that he was very impressed with the performance of the Belarusian at the YJWCH 2021.

– We had the opportunity not only to enjoy the highlights of Klimovich’s game in the Belarusian Championship, but also to see him live at the Junior World Championship in Texas. He is tall, strong and a very gifted player with a good shot who knows how to work his way through an attack. Already now we see in Klimovich a really strong hockey player who has all the data for professional growth. I hope we can bring it here and build it into our system.

We saved it. https://t.co/2n77ccL5Es
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) July 24, 2021

Harvey admitted that Vancouver was looking for a technical player in the draft. By the 41st pick, many of the good players who were in the Canucks’ minds had already been sorted out, so the club’s choice fell on the next one – it turned out to be Danila: “This guy is definitely intriguing. I watched Klimovich’s matches at the junior world championship and his actions made me say “wow”. His size and determination on the ice are amazing. This was especially noticeable in matches against Canadians and Swedes. Klimovich is a very effective player who makes great use of his size, and besides, he is very efficient. Personally, in my opinion, Klimovich is a player of the level of the first round of the draft. What impressed me most about Danil was his spirit of competition” .

Experts believe that two years in the Ruen Norranda Huskies will benefit both the player himself and Vancouver, who in a couple of seasons can get a trained hockey player for their system. However, now Klimovich has signed a trial contract with Dynamo Minsk. And it is possible that the striker will prefer to spend the next season in the KHL. In the meantime, everyone in Vancouver is happy with the choice of a tough guy from Belarus and is waiting for their bottle of “Alexandra”.

Kolosov and athleticism

Aleksey Kolosov made history by becoming the first Belarusian goaltender to be drafted. The guy already has experience playing in the KHL (he even made a shutout for Dynamo Minsk) and played for Belarus at the adult world championship. Alexei has been on the pre-draft list since last fall.

Journalist Collin Coyne figured it out
in the best sides of Kolosov, recalling, among other things, the matches of the 2021 World Cup in Riga. Coyne believes that one should not focus on not too good statistics and lack of victories, because in Latvia Kolosov faced a serious level of opponents and looked very worthy even against players from the NHL.

North Americans believe that Kolosov was not in vain highly quoted among European peers. Alexey has a developed goalkeeper mindset, he moves well in the net and works great on the rebound, which favorably distinguishes him from goalkeepers of the same age group.

Experts highlight the diligence and mentality of Kolosov. He does not dwell on failures and immediately after the goals conceded, he begins to play as expected of him. At the same time, there are also some negative points. For example, the growth of Belarusian talent (186 cm). Now in the NHL there is a fashion for taller goalkeepers, among whom Kolosov may look like a baby. But thanks to perseverance and excellent technique, Alexey is able to level the cons.

Added quick instincts and high-skill to our goaltending prospect pool with Alexei Kolosov (@khl_eng).
Draft Blog: https://t.co/4KyV6d6U8f https://t.co/qhqzNkMHLs pic.twitter.com/8SlcMQ47h2
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) July 24, 2021

Coin draws attention to the fact that it is not easy to predict the development of goalkeepers, and no one will demand immediate growth from the Belarusian. But Kolosov has all the tools to play in the NHL. Aleksey is due to spend the new season at Dynamo Minsk in the KHL, and Philadelphia scouts will closely monitor the development of their prospect.

– He has a very high level of athleticism. Our goalkeeper specialists are confident that they will make an NHL-level goaltender out of Alexei, – Brent Flare , assistant general manager of the Flyers , succinctly noted.

Kuzmin and anthropometry

Dmitry Kuzmin was selected later than his comrades, but, apparently, they have quite serious hopes for him in Winnipeg. Scott Wheeler of The Athletic compared Kuzmin’s pick to last year’s Jets pick when they drafted Swede Anton Johansson: “That’s exciting! If one of these guys shoots, then Winnipeg will get a defenseman who looks like a forward, defends with his feet and stick, knows how to get the puck out of his own zone and into someone else’s, and is also useful on offense and power plays.

Check out what we’re getting with third round pick Dmitry Kuzmin! #NHLJets | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/KmK4q17cnz
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) July 24, 2021

Representatives of the club also spoke in a positive way. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldioff spoke to the Belarusian right after the draft and is impressed.

– Kuzmin was supposed to play in North America last season [he was drafted 46th by the Flint Firebirds in the CHL import draft], that was his intention, but, again, due to the situation with the coronavirus, he played the whole year in Belarus.

Kuzmin is a truly masterful defender. In a personal conversation, we joked about his “lacrosse goals”, of which there were three during the season. Including he managed to pull off this trick at the junior world championship.

Dmitry is quite talented, with good hands, he sees the court well. Yes, he is not the tallest player, but he has learned to use his height for good, so we are counting on him, we want to see him with us ,” Cheveldioff said.

Kuzmin will certainly spend the new season in America – in the Ontario League for the Flint Firebirds, well known to the Belarusian fan.

One of Winnipeg’s lead scouts Mark Hillier was impressed with Kuzmin’s performance at the YJWCH 2021.

– Belarus was not one of the strongest teams in the tournament, but performed well in matches against stronger opponents. I will also note Kuzmin, he played very well: he has excellent skating, he holds the puck well and acts in the majority. I’m sure you’ve seen the lacrosse goal he hit in the tournament, because that puck was in all the highlights of the World Cup. In addition, this kid has a strong character, good stick handling. Of course, for Kuzmin this is a challenge – to play at the NHL level with such dimensions. However, to achieve the goal, the Belarusian has all the data, as well as efficiency, determination. Therefore, we believe that we made an excellent choice in favor of Kuzmin, regardless of his size.

Many people are now talking about Dmitry’s anthropometry. And indeed: for a defender, Kuzmin is not very large – 177 cm, 80 kg. But all the gossip about Kuzmin’s growth can be ended after Hillir’s phrase: “I don’t see a small player – I see a good player.”

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Text : Vadim Knyrko

why Andrei Svechnikov was not seen in his native Ak Bars

After being invited to Ak Bars school, the Svechnikovs immediately became its main talents

Photo: hcsalavat.ru

Moved to Kazan at the age of 10 and became the captain of Ak Bars 2000

Oddly enough, the main star of the Ak Bars Academy was born not only far from Kazan, but also in a not very hockey city. Up to Andrey Svechnikov Barnaul managed to give Russian hockey not so many well-known names. Among those who at least tried their hand at the NHL are Mikhail Yakubov (40 games) and Ivan Vishnevsky (5 games). Therefore, for the sake of the hockey future of talented sons, the parents of Andrei and Evgeny Svechnikov decided to move. First, they temporarily settled in Balashikha, and in 2011 they moved to Kazan.

After being invited to the Ak Bars school, the Svechnikov brothers immediately became her main talents. However, the elder brother attracted special attention of coaches and scouts. Evgeny was 14 at the time of moving to Kazan, and a few more years later he had two junior world championships and the silver of the youth team in 2016 behind him. Svechnikov Sr., not without reason, was considered one of the most promising forwards of his age in Russia and was drafted in the 1st round by Detroit.

At the same time, Andrey was the leader and captain of the most talented edition of Ak Bars – 2000. In addition to Svechnikov, young Alexander Khovanov, Amir Miftakhov and many other talents also played for that team. In a few years, all three will leave to conquer North America, but only Andrey was able to fully gain a foothold in the NHL. Why? Probably because he left Kazan earlier than the rest.

In Russian hockey over the past decade, there has long been a typical picture of a talented player who, after graduation and a successful performance in the MHL, spends a couple of seasons in the KHL. And only then, proven in games against the “muzhiks”, he goes overseas. Svechnikov Jr. in this regard destroyed all stereotypes.

At the age of 16 he left for America from Bilyaletdinov’s “shop”

Immediately after graduating from the Bars school, Andrei went to North America at the age of 16, having no experience of playing in the MHL, or in the VHL, and even more so in the KHL. As they say, one of the reasons for such a sharp turn in his career was the figure of the Ak Bars head coach.

“In general, I wonder how they could oversleep him. But, unfortunately, this is a misfortune not only for Ak Bars, but also for many other talented guys when they are not noticed in their native clubs. Hockey players need to feel: not only what he can show now, but also in the future. This is not given to everyone. The same fate befell Nikita Kucherov , he was also not seen in CSKA, ”the ex-coach of Ak Bars Vladimir Plyushchev told a TI-Sport correspondent.

Zinetula Bilyaletdinov although he won cups, he was not very willing to educate young talents. So, at different times, due to the lack of practice, Kazan was exchanged for America not only by the elder brother Evgeny, but also by 18-year-old Mikhail Sergachev and Alexander Burmistrov.

Before adapting to the NHL, the forward passed through the modest Canadian club Barry Colts

Photo: nhl.com

“I hate the KHL. I can’t stand this organization. It’s for old people. I don’t want to have anything to do with this league, and the longer the better. I wouldn’t want to play in the KHL at all. Well, maybe I’ll come there when I’m as old as Jagr, ”an annoyed Alexander said in 2010 in an interview with The NHL Fan House.

It is quite possible that one of the reasons for such fury towards the KHL on the part of Burmistrov was precisely the fact that there was no place for young people in the roster at that time. The quote “it is for the elderly” fully confirms this. By the way, Svechnikov and Burmistrov are united not only by their departure from Kazan across the ocean, but also by the fact that both forwards went through the modest Canadian club Barry Colts before the NHL.

“It seems to me that in the USHL and OHL they didn’t really teach him anything”

Therefore, Andrei decided not to waste time in vain and went overseas long before Bilyaletdinov would have put him in reserve. In his first season in North America, the 16-year-old forward was named the best rookie in the United States Major Junior Hockey League (USHL), and in the second he became the best rookie in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

The Svechnikov family at the 2018 NHL Draft

Photo: Andrey Svechnikov’s social networks

At the end of the season, the NHL Central Scout Bureau put the Ak Bars graduate in 1st place in the ranking of field players playing in the leagues of North America, and in the 2018 NHL Draft, Carolina selected Svechnikov in the first round under the general 2nd number. The last Russian who was listed so high in the draft was Nizhnekamsk native Nail Yakupov in 2012.

“He came to us from junior hockey, where he simply dominated. It seems to me that they didn’t really teach him anything there, because it was simply not necessary. He just came out and tore everyone up,” the head coach of Carolina 9 said before signing Svechnikov.0008 Rod Brindamore .

“Hitting lacrosse just got harder”

To give you an idea of how briskly Svechnikov got off to the Carolinas, just three weeks after his NHL debut, he became the first player in league history to score in lacrosse style. A month later he did it again. Now lacrosse in the NHL is no longer a rarity, but it was Svechnikov who launched it into mass production in 2018 and became their main catalyst.

“When you score two of these, everyone expects a third from you. I tried to score like this with Tampa – two defenders immediately got up on the posts. Now it is more difficult to put the puck in any direction.

When I’m behind the gate, the fans also start shouting and cheering me on. So it really got harder to score. But I will try to come up with something new. Now I have a couple of new tricks in my head, which I hope I will do, ”Svechnikov commented on his lacrosse goals.

Shot a hundred goals and is in the top 3 NHL snipers this season

Here and now, Andrey is the leader of the Carolinas. And this despite the fact that he is only 22 years old. For four seasons in the NHL, he already has more than 200 points and the sixth place in the list of the best players in the world under 23 according to the main American sports portal The Athletic.

This season, the ex-Kazan is doing more than well. He scores almost a point per game and is ranked third in the list of the best scorers of the current NHL season.

“Can Svechnikov be considered the best Russian hockey player in the NHL? Undoubtedly, the guy is very talented and stands out in all respects. However, despite the current form and statistics, I would not be in a hurry to say that he is the best, ”Plyushchev told our publication.

The Svechnikov brothers after the match “Carolina” – “San Jose” in the NHL game

Photo: nhl.com

In total, in the regular championships, he already has 101 goals. In theory, if Svech continues his career in the same spirit, he may well come out on the second place in the list of the best Russian scorers in the history of the NHL. It is simply unrealistic to reach Alexander Ovechkin , but it is quite possible to reach Sergei Fedorov with 483 washers.

“Of course, in theory he can overtake Fedorov. If a guy at the age of 22 has already scored so much and shows bright hockey, then he has everything ahead of him. Much truth will depend on how he will approach the coming seasons. While he is young, there are many temptations around that distract and prevent him from concentrating on hockey. If he manages all this, then everything will be fine. Andrei is a very pleasant and academic guy beyond his years,” Plushev emphasized.

“His willingness to take things to the next level is our key.”

Caroline can help with this outcome. The Brindamore team a couple of years ago made a bet on the rejuvenation of the roster and, like Steve Yzerman’s Tampa , claims to assemble a dynasty team led by Svechnikov and his eight-year contract for $62 million. Therefore, Andrei will spend his best years in Raleigh, where he will have real chances to fight for the Stanley Cup.

“Can it be better than it is now? Certainly. And he knows about it”