Press-conference before the upcoming Swedish Hockey Games

Ahead of the third stage of the 2020/2021 Euro Hockey Tour, which will take place in Malmo, Sweden, a press-conference took place on February 8.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) president Vladislav Tretiak, national team general manager and first RIHF vice-president Roman Rotenberg, acting senior national team head coach Igor Larionov and senior national team players all participated in the event.

RIHF president Vladislav Tretiak:

- I want to express my gratitude to the Swedish Ice Hockey Association for staging this competition during the current pandemic. This is the start of a special year for us, as Russian ice hockey celebrates its 75th anniversary. Our first task is to look at national team candidates ahead of the 2021 World Championship and the 2022 Olympic Games. It's no secret that these young players are becoming the leaders for the national team.

We have players from 12 different KHL clubs here. Igor Larionov is the acting head coach, with his assistants set to subsequently travel to the U18 World Championship in the USA. Valeri Bragin, Larionov and the RIHF management are discussing the roster. I wish success to all of the players at the tournament!

National team general manager, first RIHF vice-president Roman Rotenberg:

- Our goal is to continue winning in the Euro Hockey Tour, so far we are unbeaten in six matches. Leaders of their respective club teams are here. I want to thank the federation, the fans and the journalists for continuing to make ice hockey even more popular.

Acting senior national team head coach Igor Larionov:

- I want to thank the management for showing faith in me, I'm happy to be the acting head coach of this young, talented team. The players already have experience of playing excellently in the KHL. We want to display a modern, attacking brand of ice hockey. I am glad that Vladimir Filatov and Albert Leshchev are here with me, they will soon work with the under 18 national team at their World Championship.

Tournament schedule:

February 11

Russia - Finland, 17:00*
Czech Republic - Sweden, 21:00

February 13

Finland - Czech Republic, 14:00
Sweden - Russia, 18:00

February 14

Russia - Czech Republic, 14:00
Sweden - Finland, 18:00

*All start times are in accordance with Moscow time