The U20's play Slovakia on New Year's Eve

It may be New Year's eve, but it's still a perfect day for a hockey match - the Russian national team will play their final 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship group stage fixture against Slovakia. 

It has been a great tournament so far for Russia, with our team a top of Group B with eight points out of a possible nine. Nevertheless despite defeating the Czechs 2:1, Finland 6:3 and Belarus 4:1 head coach Valery Bragin hasn't been too satisfied with the team, and he expressed his disappointment with the performance against Belarus. Despite the win he noted that his players were lacking emotion, and he was happy only for the three points. Goaltender Ilya Samsonov made his first appearance of the tournament in that match, and he impressed making seventeen saves (94.4% saves percentage).

Half of Russia's group stage task has been completed - qualification to the knockout stages is now guaranteed, but two or more points are required today to seal top spot of the group.

Today's opponents Slovakia begun the championship with a 4:2 over underdogs Belarus, but have since completely fallen away. Two losses against the Czechs 0:2 and Finland 3:8 have taken away their confidence, however they will still compete in the next round. Starting goaltender Adam Huska currently has a 89.62% saves percentage, while their top scorer is Matus Sukel with three (2+1).

As already stated, a win today will take Russia through to the quarterfinals as a first seed. If that happens, key opponents Sweden, Canada and the USA will all be avoided.

Over the past four years, our team has always lost on the 31st of December. However, every time the players have gone on to get a medal, and we will also be hoping that a new winning tradition on New Year's Eve will be set today.

The Russia - Slovakia match will begin at 15.00 Moscow time. Match TV will broadcast the game live, and you can also watch the match on our website. On the RIHF's official Twitter account, you will be able to keep up to date with events live. ​

Russian Ice Hockey Federation