Sergei Golubovich: "We were afraid to take the initiative"

Russia U18 head coach Sergei Golubovich:

- Unfortunately, there was more bad than good in today's match. We had good first and third periods, but we were poor in the second. We were afraid to take the initiative. In training, we will see how every player feels and make a decision concering the next game.

Russia U18 forward Alexei Toropchenko:

- We were lacking in front of goal. Nevertheless, I can't blame the other guys, everyone fought until the end. I am playing in the second line, but I will play anywhere the coach wants me to. It's a shame we lost, but we have to forget it now. It was nice that we had so many fans at the match, there was even a feeling that we were playing at home. 

Russia U18 defenseman Dmitry Samorukov:

- We started the game well, but poor penalties came in the second. Nevertheless, we got it together for the third period. The Americans did a good job too, they defended solidly during the closing stages.

The players relaxed in the second stanza and conceded two quick goals. My two goals? The second wasn't mine, they got the numbers mixed up. It's not important who scores, we have to be a family.

Russia U18 forward Pavel Koltygin:

- We should have woken up earlier than we did today. In the third period, we didn't manage to make it a tied game. There is never anything positive when you lose, but we fought until the final buzzer. It's a shame we lost, however the entire tournament is ahead of us.

I can't explain just how great it was to play in front of such fans. Unfortunately, we took silly penalties, the Americans' provacation tactics worked.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation