Team WHL - Russia U20 - 4:1

In the early hours of November 9th, the under 20 Russian national team took on Team WHL for the second time in the CIBC CHL Canada Russia Series. Head coach Valery Bragin rang the changes, with Vladislav Sukhachyov taking his place in net. Forward German Rubtsov, picked in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft, was left out of the line-up.

This game was played inside the Rogers Arena, the Edmonton Oilers' new home. Feeling themselves at home, the CHL made the early running, creating a number of chances on our crease. Vladislav Sukhachyov pulled off several top glove stops, but before the period was out, he was forced on to the bench after an equipment issue. At the other end, our players didn't get settled into the WHL's zone, failing to get anything going.

Vladislav Sukhachyov returned for the second stanza, however, unfortunately, he was soon picking the puck out of his net - Kale Clague escaped his marker on the left wing, wristing firmly into the left corner. To make matters worse for his goaltender, he was taken off again after that goal, and didn't take to the ice again during this game.

Nevertheless, our players didn't let their heads drop, and got back on level terms seven minutes later. Danila Kvartalnov streaked into the opposing zone, took aim and let a thumping effort fly over the glove. 1:1!

In the third frame, Russia seemed to have lost all energy. All of a sudden, the WHL were crashing our net again, and, sadly, they made their pressure count. Noah Juulsen finished off a flowing play at the right post, Austin Wagner netted clean through, and when Valery Bragin pulled Anton Krasotkin, Tyler Benson hit the empty net. 1:4 today, Russia will now prepare for Thursday's match with the OHL.

Match protocol:

Team WHL - Russia U20 - 4:1 (0:0, 1:1, 3:0)

Goals:

1:0 Clague (Benson, Ronning), 29.18

1:1 Kvartalnov (Al. Volkov, Dronov), 36.28

2:1 Juulsen (Merkley, Harkins), 46.30

3:1 Wagner (Benson, Soy), 47.34

4:1 Benson (Merkley, Steel), 59.14

Goalkeepers: Hart - Sukhachyov/Krasotkin

Penalty minutes: 6 - 4

08.11.2016. Edmonton, Canada.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation