2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Finland U18 - Russia U18 - 2:5

In the opening match of the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the under 18 Russian national team defeated Finland in a tough battle, emerging victorious by a score of 5:2.

Ilya Kvochko and Matvei Michkov both had their goals in the first and second periods respectively cancelled out by the Finns. Nevertheless, after Mikhail Gulyaev had reinstated the advantage in the 45th minute of play, late empty-netters from Michkov and Gleb Trikozov sealed the deal.

Solid goalkeeper Sergei Ivanov stopped 35 of the 27 Finnish shots he faced.

Russia will now prepare to face Finland in the second game of the competition tomorrow. Puck-drop is scheduled for 16:30 Moscow time.

Match protocol:

Finland U18 - Russia U18 - 2:5 (1:1, 1:1, 0:3)

Goals:

0:1 Kvochko (Sinyatkin, Michkov), 07.24
1:1 Kemell (Hokkanen, Heinonen), 17.43
1:2 Michkov (Gulyaev, Sinyatkin), 29.29
2:2 Ronni (Nyman), 37.53
2:3 Gulyaev (Michkov), 44.17
2:4 Michkov, 58.08
2:5 Trikozov (Gazizov), 59.33

Goalkeepers: Kokko - Ivanov

Shots on target: 37 - 29

Faceoffs: 37 - 23

Penalty minutes: 14 - 12

02.08.2021.