Reaction after playing Canada U20 in a friendly match

Head coach Igor Larionov and forwards Vasily Podkolzin and Yegor Chinakhov all shared their feelings after the under 20 Russian national team competed in a friendly match against Canada (0:1) in preparation for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton.

Russia U20 head coach Igor Larionov:

- The idea of friendly matches is to try out different line combinations. We played against a strong opponent, so we need to pay attention to the fact that the guys needed time to adapt to the tempo. Canada play good, attacking, compact ice hockey; we have to give them credit.

Maybe not all of our players performed particularly well, but this was a useful game for us despite the defeat. We will draw the required conclusions so that we play better at the competition. Marat Khusnutdinov, Vasily Podkolzin and Rodion Amirov have been playing together throughout the training camp, but the first match is always difficult for everyone. 

Russia U20 forward Vasily Podkolzin:

- This was our first game for a long time. We certainly have things to improve, and we have to point out that the opponents today were strong.

Yes, we gave Canada the initiative, but perhaps we aren't yet in optimum physical shape. We'll analyse our mistakes and make sure that we're fully prepared for the World Championship. We only had chances on the counter-attack? We need to protect the puck more effectively when in the opposing zone. Nevertheless, while Canada did enjoy a lot of possession, we defended solidly. 

Russia U20 forward Yegor Chinakhov:

- Our mutual understanding will improve with every passing game. Of course, I'm disappointed that I couldn't convert my opportunities today, especially the chance when I was clean through. I need to be cooler with my chances. We will analyse this match and correct our mistakes before playing the Americans, and we've already watched their friendly with Finland. We want to beat them!