Alexei Chistyakov: "We are getting closer to the North American level"

Alexei Chistyakov, Russian women's national team head coach:

- It was a really useful series for us in the USA. This was the first time that our side played against such high level clubs. Beforehand, we had only played against student teams, but this time we went up a level. We got to have a look at all of our players, the new figures in our team did a good job. Overall, the girls proved that they can play with the North Americans on a level playing field. We are slowing getting towards their level - we won two of the five matches. The difference isn't like it was three or four years ago.

- Will these games help in World Championship preparation?

- Yes, we will improve if we play more games against such opponents. It's an important for experience for both the players and us coaches. We found out what we need to work on.

- Are you happy with how the team linked up?

- First of all, I liked the fact the girls weren't slower than the Americans. After all, the NWHL speed is a lot faster than in the Russian championship. We displayed our character and fought to the last in every game. That can even be more important than talent. If you show your character, you will always have a chance to win. Ten years ago, the girls were already beaten before playing the North Americans, but that has all changed now. They fought hard.

- Some of your players have already played in America. Did this help you?

- Yes. Ekaterina Smolentseva and Lyudmila Belyakova both played in the NWHL. They proved that we can compete with the North Americans.

- During these games, you tested out all of the goalkeepers.

- They all did their best. Lera Tarakanova played just after we had arrived while Nadezhda Morozova and Maria Sorokina both played two matches each. They did a good job.

- Will you change the roster around before the World Championship?

- We will have Eurotour stages in which we can call up a large group of players and see what they are made of. 

- Did you like how the girls played on the smaller ice?

- We play on this ice at World Championships. They have almost all played on such rinks before, they were prepared.

- The NWHL is a new league. What do you think about the competition?

- We were impressed. For starters, we were interested in seeing how teams get ready for matches, what ice hockey style they have. They play at a high tempo, have classy players and work hard all over the ice. 

- Boston have a lot of national team players.

- Yes, they have twelve USA national players. They play in a solid manner. We played them immediately after arriving, also, our bus was late getting to the game. The girls had to play without warm-ups. We lost 1:5, however I can't say that it reflects what happened on the ice. Even in that game, we showed character. 

- Is four games in a row tough for the girls?

- It is. Nevertheless, if you look at the scores, you can see that we were always close to the opposing team. After we had a rest before the fifth fixture, we managed to win.

- In the fourth game, you were ahead for almost the whole match?

- We were ahead 2:1, but the referees counted their goal which was scored into a net which was off its moorings. The referees favoured the home team there, however overall, we had no problems with the refereeing. If we speak about our discipline, the girls didn't take that many penalties. In two matches, some questionable powerplays were awarded to the home team which allowed them to win. 

- Are you satisfied with how the team performed on the powerplay?

- This component is getting a lot of our attention. I would like our conversion percentage to be even higher.

- How do the girls feel physically?

- The whole travelling process had its say. During the series, we spoke to the girls about how important our physical state is. If we are unfit, it will be very difficult against big opponents. Some need to improve, while others are in good shape. There is still time before the World Championship to work on this. In the season, we will keep an eye on how everyone plays.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation