Reaction after beating the Czech Republic at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Following the eventful 7:3 victory against the Czech Republic in the concluding group-stage match of the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, under 18 Russian national team head coach Vladimir Filatov and forward Ilya Kvochko both shared their opinions:

Russia U18 head coach Vladimir Filatov:

- The first periods of matches here at this tournament are tough, all of the teams are in the same boat physically. We improved in the second stanza, playing well and taking advantage of our opportunities to score goals. Our approach of playing with short passes allowed us to earn a positive result. Sweden in the semi-finals? We know the Swedes well, they are tight in their own zone and compete with discipline. We will have to work harder than them.

Russia U18 forward Ilya Kvochko:

- It was a good group stage for us, but the most important games of the competition are ahead of us. Our job is to play great ice hockey and compete as a united team. Our goalkeeper Sergei Ivanov? We know that he is the best in Russia and the world in his age group! Sweden have a strong team, their defensemen are particularly dangerous at the blue line. We need to display our manner of ice hockey to win.