Kristi Shashkina: "I didn't expect to become the top scorer"

Last week, the first stage of the Russian championship for U18 female teams came to a completion in Nizhny Novgorod Region. SKIF won six matches, meaning that they became champions. SKIF forward Kristi Shashkina earned 17 points and was the tournament's top scorer, winning a special award from VTB Bank. After the competition, she travelled to Novogorsk to be a part of the under 18 Russian women's national team training camp.

Russia WU18 forward Kristi Shashkina:

- I would say that the Russian championship with SKIF was a successful tournament. It was the first time that our players together, and we became a united team towards the end of the competition. We improved with every match. The toughest games were against Moscow Region and Chelyabinsk, but it was difficult against Saint Petersburg and Sverdlovsk Region too. I didn't expect to become the top scorer. It was nice to receive a prize too, I've been left with really positive emotions. I gained 17 points, scoring 9 goals and picking up 8 assists. I am satisfied with the result, but you can always improve. I need to add more pace to my game. After the tournament, I had one day to rest before joining the junior national team in Novogorsk. I lost a lot of energy at the Russian championship, but I have to show my best game with the national team. I feel great.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation