Following visa issues, one of Echo Fox’s starting members returns to Summoner’s Rift today for the North American League Championship Series (LCS).
Canadian jungler Anthony “Hard” Barkhovtsev has been cleared to the play in the LCS, and will replace substitute Jonathan “Grigne” Armao today in the team’s game against Team SoloMid, Echo Fox owner Rick Fox tells the Daily Dot.
Mid laner Henrik “Froggen” Hansen from Denmark, and top laner Park “kfo” Jeong-hun from South Korea have not yet been cleared. Challenger squad Ember’s Greyson “Goldenglue” Gilmer and Colin “Solo” Earnest will continue to substitute for Hansen and Park Jeong-hun.
AD carry Yuri “KEITH” Jew and support Terry “BIG” Chuong will also be starting for the team today.
Issues first arose for Echo Fox prior to week two of the LCS. The team was forced to forfeit their game versus NRG Esports due to Barkhovtsev, Hansen, and Jeong-hun not having the proper work visas.
Echo Fox will need all the help they can get. They are currently tied for last place with Renegades, with a 1-5 record. Despite the sloppy record some games have been extremely close, like their match versus Team Liquid in week two—although they ultimately lost due to late-game mistakes, Echo Fox’s sub squad showed that they may have a chance against other teams in the future.
Today’s game against Team SoloMid will likely be rough for Echo Fox, as SoloMid’s roster is full of star players. But SoloMid’s gameplay has looked bumpy at times, and Barkhovtsev may be what Echo Fox needs to get back on track. He’s considered one of the best new junglers in the LCS.
Rick Fox has been approached for additional comment on Barkhovtsev playing today.
Photo via Riot Games/Flickr (All rights reserved, used with permission)
