Friendly match. Switzerland W - Russia W - 2:4

In Kamloops, the Russian women's national team played their final friendly match against Switzerland before the 2016 IIHF World Championship.

It was going to be tough test for our girls, and the Swiss opened the scoring early on. Our players were in for a fight, however they proved up to the challenge. Elina Mitrofanova equalised, and Alevtina Shtaryova, Valeria Pavlova and Alexandra Vafina scored further goals to fire Russia to an eventual 4:2 victory!

Russian head coach Mikhail Chekanov:

- The girls have felt the rhythm of the game. This is important, especially when playing an opponent like Switzerland. It's nice that all of our four lines scored, however we had tactical problems. We have time to look over new theories and training drills. Seven minutes before the end of the first period our team turned the game around, and scored just before the break.

Russia forward Valeria Pavlova:

- The opponents began actively. It was difficult for us. After the conceded goal, we got it going. We scored and gained some confidence. I'm very happy, that all of our lines scored a goal. Canada have welcomed us well, and we want to take a medal at the World Championship.

Russia goaltender Nadezhda Morozova:

- The game went well. However, at the beginning we conceded a goal. After that we corrected the situation, and took a 4:2 victory. I think that I could have played better.

Match protocol:

Switzerland W - Russia W - 2:4 (1:2, 0:0, 1:2)

Russian goals:

1:1 Mitrofanova (Pavlova), 13.54

1:2 Shtaryova, 19.46

1:3 Pavlova (Sosina), 45.35

2:4 Vafina (Smolentseva), 49.56

Shots on target: 17 - 52

Penalty minutes: 12 - 8 

Faceoffs: 28 - 36

Russian line-up:

Morozova (Sorokina)

Pirogova, Shibanova - Smolentseva, Gavrilova, Vafina;

Schukina, Goncharenko - Sosina, Burina, Pavlova;

Kapustina, Nikolaeva - Smolina, Silina, Mitrofanova;

Skiba - Kadirova, Shtaryova, Dergachyova.

26.03.2016. Kamloops, Canada.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation