Reaction after playing Switzerland U18 at the Challenge Cup

Russia U18 head coach Sergei Golubovich:

- Predictably, it was a tough game. Yesterday, the guys lost of a lot of emotions in the game with Canada, I think that ice hockey experts guessed that today would be a difficult, tense match. It didn't matter who our opponents were. A weak Switzerland team managed to score five goals against us, this is because we allowed them to do so. Fourteen hours is not enough time to recover from one game.

- When the players relax, how do you motivate them again?

- You don't need to motivate them. I have been working with some of these guys for more than twelve years, I know that this team has character. As a coach, I should install the players with the right emotions. They are grown up men, they understand the situation for themselves.

- When Ivan Chekhovich had possession in overtime, did you know he was going to score?

- Our task was to qualify from the group in first place. We have achieved it. It doesn't matter who scored the winning goal, this match is already in the past. We move on to the next round.

- There was a worry that some of these players wouldn't be able to play today.

- Today, everyone felt fine. Nikita Okhotyuk wasn't noticeable on the ice however, his age took its toll. Nevertheless. he has time to feel more comfortable in our team. I don't think that his participation in this tournament has finished.

- After such a difficult match, what sort of training session is required?

- We need to support the guys. 

Russia U18 defenseman Veniamin Baranov:

- I wasn't worried after getting injured yesterday. Today, I felt fine during the game. Unfortunately, we were too relaxed today. However, the main thing is that we got it together and managed to win.

My pass to Ivan Chekhovich in overtime? I tried to clear the puck from our zone, and Ivan was there to take up possession. Switzerland fought hard today, they also wanted to represent their country well.

I don't want to guess who will be our semi-final opponents. We should be prepared to take on any opponent.

- Is one day enough to rest?

- A day off at a tournament is always important. We will recover, draw our conclusions and look at different teams at the competition. 

Russia U18 forward Ivan Chekhovich:

- Did I have time to think when scoring the winning goal in overtime? Yes, I beat my defenseman, found my speed and scored. After giving 100% yesterday against Canada West, it was tough today. We were tired. I'm not thinking about who will be our next opponents.

- Your line is performing excellently. Are you not distracted by the attention put on you by the internet?

- No, not at all. I try not to follow all of this on the internet. After a match, I give my parents a call and watch another ice hockey match.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation