Reaction after playing Canada in a friendly match ahead of the World Junior Championship

Following the 4:6 loss to Canada in a friendly match ahead of the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, under 20 Russian national team head coach Sergei Zubov, defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin and forward Matvei Michkov shared their emotions:

Russia U20 head coach Sergei Zubov:

- We were far too slow at the start of the game. Canada always come flying out of the blocks, and today we couldn't keep them at bay. We made mistakes and took avoidable penalties. In the second period, our players did manage to take the initiative, though, and we managed to score on the powerplay. Yaroslav Askarov played at a good level, a lot of the goals were scored after the Canadians put together neat combination plays. Our coaching staff? Alexander Titov is responsible for the defensemen, Vladimir Filatov watches the shift changes and notes the statistics, and Oleg Znarok works on the powerplay. Naturally, it's tough for us only being allowed to either train or be inside the hotel, but all teams are in the same boat.

Russia U20 defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin:

- Our discipline let us down during the opening frame, we committed too many fouls and the Canadians are strong on the powerplay. However, we played with the initiative in the subsequent two periods. We trained really well, we're in good shape and we've held intense training sessions. The quarantine rules? We have them in Russia too, there aren't any problems.

Russia U20 forward Matvei Michkov:

- Games against Canada are always very interesting, they attract a lot of attention. Our line played well, we're communicating well and we are building up mutual understanding on the ice. We are all working for the sake of the team.