Russia train at the Legends Park in Moscow

The senior Russian national team held their second training session at the Legends Park in Moscow ahead of the Channel One Cup, a tournament which is the second stage of the 2020/2021 Euro Hockey Tour and will take place between the 17th and 20th of December.

The first match will be played against Sweden on December 17 at 19:30 local time.

The players were split up into two groups:

Goalkeepers: Samonov, Fedotov, Tarasov.

Group 1

Whites: Rafikov, A. Marchenko - Tkachyov, Shipachyov, Chibisov
Blues: Galenyuk, Ozhiganov - Kuzmenko, Morozov, Burdasov
Reds: Lyamkin, Yudin - Soshnikov, Zernov, Korshkov
Greens: Yakovlev, Antipin - Mamin, Karnaukhov, Voronkov

Group 2

Samorukov, Minulin - K. Marchenko, Kadeikin, Tolchinsky

The groups took it in turns to train both on and off the ice.

Coach Alexander Boikov:

- This was our second training session, we analysed all components of the game and put together our plans for how we will play in defence and attack. We paid special attention today to our special teams. What is this team's main strength? The attacking line, so we want to score goals. Against Sweden we will stick to our philosophy of displaying modern aggressive ice hockey. It's great that the fans will be at the stadium tomorrow, we need their support!

Forward Vadim Shipachyov:

- The last time when I played for the national team was in Saint Petersburg. I'm really happy that I have the opportunity to compete at the home stage of the Euro Hockey Tour again, I think that a lot of players wanted to be here. I will try my best to play well. Yes, we have a different team now, but our task to win and give everything on the ice remains. I think that a lot of fans will come to the arena to support us tomorrow.

- What emotions do you have from working with Valeri Bragin?

- He is a professional who pays a lot of attention to the small details. I like working with him.

- You are only allowed to stay at the hotel when not at the stadium.

- We're having a lot of team meetings at the moment as we prepare for the competition. We're only here for a week, so there wouldn't be time for walking about anyway. We need to recover, rest and spend time with our teammates.

- Have you found mutual understanding with the players in your line?

- I'm playing in a line with Vladimir Tkachyov and Andrei Chibisov. We've been really well in training so far, hopefully that continues in the matches. Andrei competes well on the crease, while Vladimir and I like to play a passing game. The main thing is that we will win our games.

- Do you feel nervous ahead of the match against Sweden?

- No, but maybe the nerves will appear tomorrow. Some of our KHL games are being played without fans, but tomorrow the supporters will be at the arena. That will give us even more positive emotions!