Russia U20 become 3x3 Future Cup champions!

The 3x3 Future Cup today took place in Novosibirsk!

And, thanks to a dramatic 4:3 triumph over Russia U18 after a tense penalty shootout in the grand final, the under 20 Russian national team hoisted the trophy aloft.

Our U20s had initially comfortably seen off the challenge of a side representing the Student Hockey League (SHL) in the first semi-final, with markers from Vladimir Korzin (2), Askar Kamalov and Yelisey Ryabykin securing a routine 4:1 win.



For their part, Illarion Babkin and Ilya Kolomytsev hit the jackpot to help the U18s shut Belarus U20 out 2:0.



The decisive game certainly proved to be the most eventful showdown of the evening.

The U18s made a furious start at the Sibir Arena, racing into an impressive three-goal lead through Andrei Milyaev, Alexander Ovchinnikov and Ivan Ryabov.

Nevertheless, our U20 team weren't prepared to wave the white flag, as Alexander Zharovsky, Viktor Fyodov and Mikhail Melikov hauled them level in thrilling fashion!

A pulsating six-goal shootout followed which was just edged by Russia U20.



The SHL also finished on the podium, thrashing the Belarusians 5:0 in the third place playoff.

Here are the individual awards which were subsequently dished out:

Best goalkeeper: Ilya Firsov (SHL).

Best defenseman: Nikita Poltavchuk (Russia U20).

Top scorer: Ramil Abitov (SHL).

Tournament MVP: Yakov Kazantsev (Russia U18).