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Our young players proved that they're ready to beat strong opponents
10.02.2026
Dear friends!
The calendar year traditionally starts for Russian national teams with matches in February. This time, our U16s and women played at the Eurasia Jastar Cup in Kazakhstan, whereas our U17s and U18s travelled to Belarus to participate in the Future Cup.
International experience is vital for our players, as they prepare to take the step up to international level. Playing for the national team allows our players to develop accordingly. The Russian Ice Hockey Federation organised thorough training camps in preparation for the competitions, before they subsequently learned how to cooperate with different coaches and players in international game situations. Players consequently learn what mistakes cannot be committed and where they need to improve.
The competition in Astana was the first for a lot of the guys in our U16 side. Despite their lack of experience they played really well, giving their elder opponents a real challenge and trying to display their best qualities. I'm confident that the Eurasia Jastar Cup will form an important part of their development.
In Minsk, though, the success of our U17 and U18 teams took centre stage. Taking into account that they were the youngest team at the tournament, the U17s' triumph is remarkable! Having initially taken Belarus U20 to penalty shots, they then went on to defeat Russia U18 and the U18 Belarusian team. They performed brilliantly at the tournament and deserved their trophy!
It's also worth speaking about the fact that the shootout between Russia U17 and Belarus U20 lasted 21 (!) rounds! As I always say, around 70% of a team's success in modern ice hockey is solely down to the goalkeeper.
Our U18s also impressed, winning the 3-on-3 competition and beating Belarus U20 for the first time in history. Overall, if we look at how all of our players competed, then we can see that they displayed true Russian ice hockey with their entertaining, attack-minded approach. Our players have quality and talent in abudence! Moreover, they proved that they're ready to beat strong opponents. It's pleasing that we're on the right path.
Of course, I would also like to thank our partners for their openness and readiness to cooperate productively. Once again, the Belarusians organised a wonderful tournament. The fact that our teams have the opportunity to face one another allows everyone to develop and progress. We're already looking to the next Future Cup, which will be staged on Russian ice!
Vladislav Tretiak
President of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation
The calendar year traditionally starts for Russian national teams with matches in February. This time, our U16s and women played at the Eurasia Jastar Cup in Kazakhstan, whereas our U17s and U18s travelled to Belarus to participate in the Future Cup.
International experience is vital for our players, as they prepare to take the step up to international level. Playing for the national team allows our players to develop accordingly. The Russian Ice Hockey Federation organised thorough training camps in preparation for the competitions, before they subsequently learned how to cooperate with different coaches and players in international game situations. Players consequently learn what mistakes cannot be committed and where they need to improve.
The competition in Astana was the first for a lot of the guys in our U16 side. Despite their lack of experience they played really well, giving their elder opponents a real challenge and trying to display their best qualities. I'm confident that the Eurasia Jastar Cup will form an important part of their development.
In Minsk, though, the success of our U17 and U18 teams took centre stage. Taking into account that they were the youngest team at the tournament, the U17s' triumph is remarkable! Having initially taken Belarus U20 to penalty shots, they then went on to defeat Russia U18 and the U18 Belarusian team. They performed brilliantly at the tournament and deserved their trophy!
It's also worth speaking about the fact that the shootout between Russia U17 and Belarus U20 lasted 21 (!) rounds! As I always say, around 70% of a team's success in modern ice hockey is solely down to the goalkeeper.
Our U18s also impressed, winning the 3-on-3 competition and beating Belarus U20 for the first time in history. Overall, if we look at how all of our players competed, then we can see that they displayed true Russian ice hockey with their entertaining, attack-minded approach. Our players have quality and talent in abudence! Moreover, they proved that they're ready to beat strong opponents. It's pleasing that we're on the right path.
Of course, I would also like to thank our partners for their openness and readiness to cooperate productively. Once again, the Belarusians organised a wonderful tournament. The fact that our teams have the opportunity to face one another allows everyone to develop and progress. We're already looking to the next Future Cup, which will be staged on Russian ice!
Vladislav Tretiak
President of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation
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