Channel One Cup. Russia - Belarus - 3:1

The Russian national team made the perfect start to the Channel One Cup this afternoon, confidently defeating Belarus 3:1 at the Sibir Arena!

All competition games are being staged in Novosibirsk.

Our first major opportunity arrived in the 12th minute. However, after Belarusian defenseman Daniil Bokun had hooked against the clean-through Prokhor Poltapov, Danil Aimurzin couldn't convert the ensuing penalty shot.

Nevertheless, Russia did make the breakthrough a mere two minutes later, with Roman Kantserov firing over Ivan Kulbakov's glove.

The Russian advantage was then doubled during a dominant second stanza with Aimurzin atoning for his earlier miss.

The same player subsequently hit the empty net in the concluding two minutes to secure the victory. Unfortunately, Roman Gorbunov ruined Maxim Motorygin's shutout hopes with 33 seconds remaining on the clock, but it made little difference to the outcome.

Russia will now prepare to face Kazakhstan tomorrow. Puck-drop is scheduled for 14:00 Moscow time.

Match protocol:

Russia 25 - Belarus - 3:1 (1:0, 1:0, 1:1)

Goals:

1:0 Kantserov, 13.24
2:0 Aimurzin (Surin, Abrosimov), 26.42
3:0 Aimurzin (Lyamkin, Konyushkov), 58.19 EN
3:1 Gorbunov (Kuznetsov, Belevich), 59.27

Goalkeepers: Motorygin - Kulbakov

Shots on target: 38 - 20

Faceoffs: 31 - 32

Blocked shots: 9 - 24

Hits: 17 - 13

Penalty minutes: 2 - 6

13.12.2025.