The RIHF have extended Valery Bragin's contract

The Russian Ice Hockey Federation have extended junior national team head coach Valery Bragin's contract until May 2018.

RIHF board chairman Arkady Rotenberg:

- We have analysed Valery's work taking into account all of the positive moments with the junior national team, and the character which he always installs into his teams. However, the main thing for us is that a number of players who have worked with Valery have gone on to become Russian and world super stars who play for the main national team.

RIHF president Vladislav Tretyak:

- Valery Bragin is a coach who is capable of working with the junior national team like no one else. From four World Championships, he has taken the team to four finals - this is a unique result. He knows how to prepare his players for games, finds the right words in tough times, and teaches his players never to give up even in a seemingly hopeless situation. I am sure that all players who have played under him use his advice and remember what he said to them. We are very happy that such a strong coach will continue working with the junior national team, and more and more fans will follow the team at World Championships.

Valery Bragin:

- I am very happy to continue work with the junior national team. The conditions of the contract suit me, and I am familiar with my job. With my colleagues, we will continue training players for the main national team.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation