Russia U17 have arrived in Dmitrov

With the Five Nations approaching in Dmitrov, the under 17 Russian national team have got together. The coaches have called up three goalkeepers, seven defensemen and fourteen forwards:

Goalkeepers: Amir Miftakhov, Vladislav Okoryak.

Defensemen: Bogdan Zhilyakov, Nikita Okhotyuk, Roman Kalinichenko, Nikita Solopanov, Danila Zhuravlyov, Artemiy Knyazev, Ilyas Sitdikov, Anton Lukichyov.

Forwards: Yury Platonov, Pavel Koreshkov, Ilya Badanin, Roman Badanin, Grigory Denisenko, Kirill Marchenko, Maxim Shabanov, Nikita Rtischev, Vladislav Kotkov, Vladislav Mikhaylov, Dmitry Zavgorodniy, Yegor Sokolov, Daniil Gizatullin.

Russia U17 head coach Alexander Zybin:

- I arrived on April 3rd, but the team had already been training in Novogorsk. Different players have been called up to this tournament, while more experienced figures are also here. This time, we decided to look at more players from Dynamo Moscow and CSKA, however, on the next occasion, we will give Yugra players a chance. All of the guys are showing good commitment and are trying. I didn't want to change a lot from what the previous coach had been doing. I like my teams to play in attack, keep the puck and put pressure on opponents. We watched Finland's training today, they have a fast team with good  attacking players.

Russia U17 defenseman Nikita Okhotyuk:

- I joined the camp after leaving the Russia U18 team. I wasn't picked for the final World Championship roster. Nevertheless, I am happy to be with Russia U17 again, we all know each other well. I have never played with Danila Zhuravlyov before, but we are starting to understand each other. The new coaches are telling us the right things.

- How ready are you for the tournament?

- Like always, I am ready to fight on the ice.

- It's a home competition.

- Thay means we need to win! I remember playing in Dmitrov with Traktor a few years ago, I like it here. Hopefully the fans will support us.

- What can you say about Finland?

- They are a quick team. I can't pick any particular player out. It will be tough against the Finns, Czechs, Swedes and the Swiss.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation