World Challenge Cup. Finland U17 - Russia U17 - 0:2

After beating Sweden 4:3 yesterday, the under 17 Russian national team played the second World Challenge Cup game in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada, against Finland.

Unfortunately, due to illness, a number of key Russian figures couldn't take part, including captain Alexander Khovanov. Nevertheless, that wasn't an obstacle for our players. Pavel Koreshkov and Yegor Sokolov scored two goals in the first and second periods, and goaltender Daniil Isaev tallied up a shutout to ensure an important 2:0 Russia victory!

Igor Efimov, interim Russia under 17 head coach:

- It's a good and important victory. Unfortunately, there is a virus going around our team, three of our players couldn't play because of a high temperature. As a result, we practically played in three lines. The guys did a great job winning, I'm very happy with the triumph. Finland have a strong team, everyone understands the system which all of their teams play in. A key moment was when we scored shorthanded, and at the end of the match, we stood tall against Finland's pressure. I'd like to point out Daniil Isaev's fantastic performance in net. It will be difficult against Canada Red, a lot of their players took part at the Youth Olympics. We will prepare.

Daniil Isaev, Russia U17 goaltender:

- The guys helped me in defence. Even without Alexander Khovanov, Andrei Svechnikov and Grigory Nesvetaev we managed to win. At times, I got lucky, Finland shot the puck directly into my body and I made saves. 40 shots? Actually, it isn't that many. I was ready for this match, the coaches told me before that I would play. I stuck to my game plan. The main thing is that we won and got the three points. Tomorrow we will prepare the same way, it's a game for first place in the group. 

Match protocol:

Finland U17 - Russia U17 - 0:2 (0:1, 0:1, 0:0)

Goals:

0:1 Koreshkov, 12.01

0:2 Sokolov (Denezhkin, Rotenberg), 25.36

Goalkeepers: Nurmi - Isaev

Shots on target: 40 - 25

Penalty minutes: 8 - 8 

31.10.2016. Canada.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation