Russia U17's final training before the Five Nations

Ahead of the Five Nations tournament in Brno, the Czech Republic, the Russian under 17 national team held a training session. The players worked out in these following lines:

Goalkeepers: Miftakhov, Isaev;

Reds: Kalinichenko, Zhuravlyov - Denisenko, Khovanov, Drobin;

Whites: Malyshev, Zhilyakov - Sokolov, Zhabreev, Rotenberg;

Blues: Lukichyov, Sinitsyn - Kotkov, Platonov, Zavgorodny;

Yellows: Solopanov, Kizimov - Starikov, Shafeev, Koreshkov, Rtischev.

Russia U17 head coach Igor Efimov:

- Just like at the previous tournament, we are searching for a forward to join Alexander Khovanov and Grigory Denisenko's line. Yesterday, we tried Semyon Kizimov, before today we had a look at Alexei Drobin. Nevertheless, Alexander Zhabreev and Pavel Rotenberg, who play together for Dynamo Saint Petersburg, are examples of players who understand each other. Yegor Sokolov will join their line. Nikita Rtischev, Pavel Koreshkov and Emmanuil Shafeev, physically strong guys, will form a partnership. It's good that we had the opportunity to come to the Czech Republic three days before puck drop, I can say that the guys are moving well and that they are looking forward to play. Our first match will be against the USA, a strong team. Beforehand, we have lost to them three times in a row. We're preparing seriously.

Russia U17 forward Alexander Khovanov:

- We've already had the chance to train three times here. In Novogorsk, we competed in three friendly matches in which we saw where we need to improve. These games here will show whether we have had time to get it together. This team has a lot of newcomers, but they have all settled in to the group well. We are one united team heading towards one goal.

- Alexei Drobin has joined your line with Grigory Denisenko.

- In Canada, we played a couple of matches together at the Challenge Cup. We understand each other well.

- How would you rate your shape?

- I feel good, I have played a lot of games for my club. I will try to help my team at this tournament. After losing to the USA in the past, we are pumped up to beat them this time. They have a good team, however we can win if we stick to the game plan. 

Russia U17 defenseman Danila Zhuravlyov:

- It doesn't matter when we have to play against the Americans, maybe it's even better to begin against the strongest opponent. We will give them a fight, it's finally time to beat them. I am played with Roman Kalinichenko, and at every training camp, we have been working hard. Unfortunately, I missed the previous tournament because of illness, but now I feel fine. Also, after having a nose operation, I find it easier to breath. Having played some MHL matches in the new year, I am in good shape.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation