Reaction after playing Sweden at the U18 World Championship

Russia U18 head coach Sergei Golubovich:

- In the first and second periods, Sweden were simply better than us. However in the third, the players' character allowed us to turn the game around. They were committed and had desire, but we also changed our tactics up. Nerves? This is the first major tournament for some of the guys. A lot have experience from last year's World Championship, but the team is different now.

Players who arrived from Canada are not in perfect shape at all.

Russia U18 forward Ivan Chekhovich:

- It was tough at the beginning, but we got it together in the end. What helped? Our captains gave us a talking to in the dressing room. A lot of us have experience from last year's competition, it's easier for us. Both teams are physical. When the net was empty, I thought that it would be better if Andrei Svechnikov scored, so I gave him a pass. Now, we have to forget this match and prepare for the next game.

Russia U18 forward Andrei Svechnikov:

- Ivan Chekhovich and I skated to the empty net, I gave him a pass but he decided to let me score. The hit in the second period? If I am honest, it was one of the biggest hits any player has ever delivered to me. It wasn't that nice. At the start of the match we weren't great, but we improved and managed to win. The guys did a great job in defence. We will continue working on our powerplay.

We won't be relaxed before playing the USA, all of us have to be ready for every game. 

Russian Ice Hockey Federation