Reaction after winning the bronze medal at the 2019 World Junior Championship

After claiming the bronze medal at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship, under 20 Russian national team head coach Valery Bragin and forwards Kirill Slepets, Vitaly Kravtsov and Nikita Shashov shared their views.

Russia U20 head coach Valery Bragin:

- In terms of psychology and emotions, this was a very important match. Our game plan worked. Overall, we had a great tournament, with the exception of the one match which we lost. The main thing is that we leave with positive emotions. Kirill Slepets? He had an important role in the team and his line performed well, especially on the penalty kill. We managed to bring these players together as a group.

Russia U20 forward Kirill Slepets:

- Yesterday, we were disappointed, but today we only had the goal of fighting for a medal. I would give the last three years up for a win yesterday, but we can't change anything now. I will give my medal to my mother, I love her very much and she keeps all of my awards. The main thing is that we won a medal.

Russia U20 forward Vitaly Kravtsov:

- I tried to become more of a team player here. All of our tried our best. As Alexei Kruchinin always says, in order to win a competition, you have to claim victory in the final game. Unfortunately, we don't have a gold medal, but it is what it is. If you made a mistake, 20 other guys were willing to cover your back. We became a family and we will all miss being in this team together.

Russia U20 forward Nikita Shashkov:

- We're very happy, and I am sure that the entire country is satisfied with this medal. At first, I was worried about making the roster cut, however everything turned out fine in the end. Both matches against Switzerland were difficult, they have a strong team. After the opening 10 minutes, we began to struggle, but before the third period we spoke together and were determined to win a medal.