Interviews following Russia U18's World Championship quarter-final wn

Russia U18 head coach Sergei Golubovich:

- Unfortunately, not all of our players were ready for this game. Some of them aren't even eighteen years of age yet. However, thanks to everyone for contributing today. It's a victory and we move on to the next stage. Slovakia didn't surprise me, they are improving every year. To be honest, I really liked their organisation. Nerves? Any game is nervy. Finland haven't lost a game yet, but no team is undefeatable.

Russia U18 forward Ivan Chekhovich:

- This was the most emotional and difficult match in my life. Kirill Slepets managed to score our winning goal. We expected the game to be difficult, we were playing against the tournament hosts. In the past, I had never scored such important goals before. I would like to thank Maxim Zhukov and Andrei Svechnikov.

We had all lost our voice before overtime. Now, we need to forget this match and prepare for the next stage.

Russia U18 forward Kirill Slepets:

- We lost a lot of emotions today. Nevertheless, we knew it would be a tough match, this is the World Championship. My thoughts when I scored in overtime? I don't even know how to answer that question. How can we avoid being drained after this game? After such a win, you can find emotions within yourself. We need to go out and fight for the gold. It will be a tense match against the Finns. 

Russia U18 forward Dmitry Samorukov:

- We wanted to win today. We lost our way in the second period, but we recovered. Now, we will play in the semi-final stage. The team gained experience last year, and we have time to prepare for the game against Finland. I was given a lot of ice time today? Yes, but I got used to this in Canada. My job is to play well in defence, but if there is a chance to join the rush, I always do that. The coaches allow me to attack too, it's my style of game.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation