World Championship. Russia U18 - Sweden U18 - 3:1

The under 18 Russian national team began their World Championship group stage campaign with a match against Sweden. Head coach Sergei Golubovich gave Maxim Zhukov the nod in net.

In an open first period, Sweden struck first. Erik Brannstrom got them on the board, scoring on the powerplay. Nevertheless, Russia weren't willing to give in easily. Both teams had plenty of opportunities. but early on in the third frame Russia finally equalised - Kirill Maximov the scorer.

That goal gave Russia a boost. Star forward Andrei Svechnikov sealed a comeback win, netting midway through the final period before icing it with an empty netter. 3:1, Russia U18 get the World Championship started with a victory!

Match protocol:

Russia U18 - Sweden U18 - 3:1 (0:1, 0:0, 3:0)

Goals:

0:1 Brannstrom (Lundestrom, Hugg), 09.05

1:1 Maximov (Slepets), 42.13

2:1 Svechnikov (Chekhovich), 51.02

3:1 Svechnikov (Chekhovich), 59.58

Goalkeepers: Zhukov - Eriksson Ek

Shots on target: 23 - 44

Penalty minutes: 12 - 8 

13.04.2017. Slovakia.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation