The W16 European Cup bronze medalists are met in Moscow

At Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, members of the under 16 Russian women's national team were welcomed home after winning bronze at the 2018 European Cup.

After winning four group stages matches, the team lost 2:4 in the semi-final to Finland. Nevertheless, the players improved for the bronze medal game, thrashing Switzerland to claim third place.

Russia W16 and W18 head coach Evgeny Bobariko:

- Russian women's ice hockey is moving in the right direction. This tournament was very important for the under 16 national team in terms of gaining international experience and picking up a winning mentality. I am sure that next year, a lot of them will compete in the World Junior Championship if they continue playing with the right attitude.

Russia W16 captain Polina Luchnikova:

- We fought to the end in every match, showing our character and strength. Next year, I hope that the girls will win the gold medal.

Chief of the women's ice hockey department Olga Voltolovskaya:

- I am really happy that this new project from the IIHF International Women's Committee has continued being successful this year after starting in 2017. Next year, we hope that an excellent result will be achieved. I want to add that the interest towards the European Cup is growing and two European countries are battling to host the 2019 competition.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation