Reaction after Russia U16 defeated Belarus U17

Day three of the President's Sporting Club Cup saw the under 16 Russian national team defeat Belarus U17 6:3 in Minsk.

Russia U16 head coach Anton Kadeikin:

"Our players displayed character to recover from 1:3 down and emerge victorious. We played good ice hockey with plenty of combinations, while also performing well on special teams with our goalkeeper solid in our net. The third conceded goal? The Belarusians were stronger on the crease there. Nevertheless, we knew that a two-goal deficit wasn't fatal.

"This is a great competition for us, our players are receiving the opportunity to play against older opponents. We always play to win, regardless of who we're competing against."

Russia U16 forward Evgeny Yakunin:

"We have the same approach for every game. We tried to press effectively, defend solidly and take advantage of our opportunities.

"Our coaches told us the right words when we were trailing 1:3. This is the first time when I've scored a hat-trick at international level, so it's a special moment for me. However, the main thing is the team result."