Reaction after beating Sweden at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Following the entertaining 7:5 victory against Sweden in the semi-finals of the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, under 18 Russian national team head coach Vladimir Filatov and forward Alexander Perevalov both shared their feelings:

Russia U18 head coach Vladimir Filatov:

- We expected a tough match, it's always hard competing against Sweden. We didn't compete in the correct manner during the first period, it was too comfortable for Sweden. Nevertheless, thanks to our improvements in the second and third stanzas, we managed to emerge victorious. Our guys won the neutral pucks and showed their character. Slovakia in the final? The team which competes with the most amount of discipline will win. The Slovaks have a strong team, they're playing at home and have the support of their fans.

Russia U18 forward Alexander Perevalov:

- It was a crazy game! We allowed Sweden to play their brand of ice hockey in the first period, that was the main problem. The match began to swing our way when we competed on the front foot and with the initiative. Slovakia's strengths? They are dangerous on the counter-attack, but we will be fully prepared. We will display aggressive, fast and intelligent ice hockey tomorrow!