The under 17 national team have finished training for the Challenge Cup

At the John Rhodes Centre in Canada, the under 17 Russian national team held their final training session before the World Challenge Cup. 

Before the start of an hour long work-out, both the players and the coaches took part in a special tournament photo-shoot. 

Grigory Denisenko, Russia U17 forward:

- We feel great before the competition's start. I think that we are ready. The five days in Toronto really helped us with getting used to the conditions over here. 

We played two friendly games in Canada. The coach was satisfied with the first, but against Canada, we played worse in defence. Overall, the two victories were good.

- How is it playing on the small ice?

- I have never played on smaller ice before. The game is faster here, you have to take more shots. I've got used to it now, but it was tough adapting to the new style of more physical play and shots.

- Who are your main opponents at the tournament?

- The Americans have a really strong, mobile team. I would point out the Swedes too. Nevertheless, we feel good and are ready to win.

Pavel Gogolev, Russia U17 forward:

- Given the fact that I live in Canada, I didn't have problems adapting like the other guys. Physically, I am ready for the tournament. I had trouble when starting to train, but everything is fine now.

We played a friendly match against Canada here, and managed to win. We conceded a goal in the first period, but we then began to understand how the opponents play. I would like to create more chances and crash the net harder.

At training, we have been working on our powerplay tactics. We need to score more goals in order to win.

- Playing in Canada, have you given any advice to your teammates?

- I told them that the Canadians play physical. I have played against the majority of their players, I know what to expect from them. Personally, for me, it will be easier to play against Canada than with the USA. I haven't seen how the Americans play. On the small ice, you have to do everything at a quicker pace.

- Speak about the upcoming match with Sweden.

- We have looked at the video with the coaches, we know how the Swedes will play. We've seen a couple of their training sessions too. Everything should be fine.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation