Sergei Golubovich: "Hopefully, the players will continue progressing in their clubs"

Russian under 18 national team head coach Sergei Golubovich summed up October's training camp:

- The second friendly match against the Czech Republic was very similar to the first. We had almost two times the amount of shots on goal than the opponents, but missed a number of big opportunities. I can't blame the guys, they tried their best. With a lot of them having not played on the international level before, they were nervous.

During this training camp, some of the guys played on their level, while others disappointed. This is a normal part of the process. Hopefully, they will all keep progressing in their clubs.

- Only two training camps remain before the World Championship. Could this have taken its toll on the players?

- I don't think that they are looking that far ahead. At this age, every match gives more emotions than thoughts about the future.

- What short term plans do you have?

- I will go to Canada to see all of the national team candidates. Lots of players are playing well, we want to watch all matches where Russian players compete. Maybe knowing that the coaches are following them will encourage the players to return to Russia in the future.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation