Matvey Zaseda: "We need to show what we are made of"

Russia under 18 national team forward Matvey Zaseda spoke about preparations for two friendly matches against the Czech Republic:

- I have already played at the Four Nations and in friendlies with Finland. Hopefully, that experience will help me against the Czechs. We're getting older, the expectations of us are rising. We need to play tight and not make any mistakes. Almost all of us have professional contracts.

Everyone wants to make the roster for the Challenge Cup and the World Championship. All of us need to show what we're made of so that the coaches can be sure that you can compete at this level.

- You played a full KHL match for Amur against HC Metallurg Magnitogorsk. What impressions were you left with?

- When skating out on to the ice, I had undescribable emotions. I will never forget how six thousand fans cheered as I made my entrance. I was nervous, trying not to let the teram down. Afterwards, the coaches praised me.

- At the start of the season, did you want to make the national team?

- If I'm honest, I didn't think about that. I was focused on the training camps. I'm not the heaviest player, so I had to become more physical. I always want to play for Amur's first team and Russia.

- Do you play in your normal position at training?

- Yes, on the left flank. I play there for Amur. Nevertheless, I can play on the right too. If the coach tells me to play in defence or in goal, I will! 

- What result will allow you to return to your clubs in good mood?

- Victory in both games, the result is important too. In reality, there are no friendly matches in ice hockey. You always fight for victory.

- A lot of players haven't been in the national team for a long time.

- I knew around half of the guys before the training camp. However, we soon all became friends. We need to take advantage of our chance.

- Have you played against the Czech Republic beforehand?

- Yes, at the Four Nations. The Czechs have physical players, some are technical too. They always play hard and don't let you relax, we have prepared for this.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation