Interviews after defeating Sochi in Saint Petersburg

Representatives of the U23 Russian national team had their say after defeating Sochi 4:2 in the first match of the Nikolai Puchkov Tournament.

Russia U23 head coach Nikolai Voevodin:

- Our guys were fully prepared for this match after we had held several team meetings yesterday. I would like to congratulate everyone with our victory, we had studied the opponents and were ready for their approach. We struggled at the beginning? Our youth, nerves and disorganised play across the ice allowed Sochi to take the lead. We subsequently told the guys where they needed to improve, and they did just that.

Russia U23 forward Ivan Demidov:

- We're satisfied with how our first match at the competition unfolded. In truth, it was difficult for us in the opening stanza as a consequence of the game beginning at 11 am, but we did display good speed and competed with passion. It's a huge honour for all of us to represent our national team!

Russia U23 forward Gleb Petrov:

- The fact that the match started so early initially took its toll, but we improved in the second frame and got rid of our tension. The result speaks for itself!