Press-conference before the 2018 U18 World Championship

In Chelyabinsk, a press-conference took place dedicated to the 2018 U18 World Championship. Russian Ice Hockey Federation Vladislav Tretiak and honourary IIHF member and tournament director Frank Gonzalez participated in the event.

Honourary IIHF member Frank Gonzalez:

- For me, it's always a huge honour to represent the International Ice Hockey Federation, Rene Fasel and the IIHF board, of which Vladislav Tretiak is a member. At yesterday's meeting, all tournament participants and members of the international committee noted that everything is going to plan in terms of organisation. This is a top championship and places like Chelyabinsk and Magnitogorsk should be hosting these competitions. At this moment in time, they are the world capitals of ice hockey. The RIHF are always prepared to help us in hosting such tournaments. With every passing year, competition at this level is rising and a large number of KHL and NHL scouts attending proves this. It's planned that Rene Fasel will travel here, I know that he has spoken to Vladislav Tretiak. I would like to give special thanks to the RIHF, Vladislav Tretiak, Chelyabinsk and Magnitogorsk.

RIHF president Vladislav Tretiak:

- I am really happy to be in Chelyabinsk today. It was here where I became the best goaltender among youth teams, I know how these players in the team feel because I played for the under 18 side during the course of a four year period. We've done a great job of organising the tournament, everything has been done for the players. On behalf of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, I would like to thank Rene Fasel and Frank Gonazlez. We're also close to hosting the 2023 World Junior Championship in Novosibirsk and 2023 World Championship in Saint Petersburg. It's a great thing for us to host the 20th edition of the U18 World Championship, we want more young players to start playing ice hockey. I thank governor of the Chelyabinsk Region Boris Dubrovsky, his deputies, head of the Traktor Ice Arena and everyone who has taken part in organising the competition. I wish the teams success!

Russian Ice Hockey Federation