Russia U17 reaction after beating the Czech Republic

Russia U17 head coach Alexander Zybin:

- It took a while for us to get into the game, despite us telling the players that the Czechs have a mobile team. Some defensemen didn't listen to us, resulting in the Czech Republic having some chances by our net. In the second period, we regrouped and started to pass the puck more. I am thankful to the guys for not giving the opponents a chance to take the initiative. The goalkeeper was great too. The key moment was the first goal. When we netted the second, it became easier for us and we could have scored more. 

Russia U17 forward Dmitry Zavgorodniy:

- We were poor in the first period. During the entire game we took a lot of penalties, this is something which we have to fix. Grigory Denisenko scored the opening goal three seconds before the second break, that was an important moment in the match. I changed lines in the second stanza. I am satisfied with my own performance, I managed to score two goals. I scored the first on a 2 on 1, before the puck just hit me for the second.

Russia U17 forward Grigory Denisenko:

- There were a lot of hits and shots against the Czech Republic. It's great that I scored, but it's more important that the team won. When I scored my first goal, Danil Zhuravlyov gave a good diagonal pass, I beat my marker for pace and scored. Tomorrow, we will fight for victory against Sweden.

Russia U17 goalkeeper Amir Miftakhov:

- I am pleased that we won and that I kept a shutout. The guys really helped me by blocking shots. Everyone fought hard. At the end of the first, I was calm when the Czechs wanted a video review because I stopped the puck from going in before the buzzer. The Czechs were rough, it was difficult for our players to keep their emotions in check. My father and grandmother came to support me at the stadium today, it was important for me to get a shutout. I am satisfied with my performance. We want to win this home tournament.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation