Reaction after the Russia U18 win against Canada East

After the Canada East - Russia U18 friendly match (2:5), Russia's head coach and players shared their views from the pre World Challenge Cup fixture:

Sergei Golubovich, Russia U18 head coach:

- We saw what we expected to. However, I didn't think that captain Klim Kostin wouldn't be ready for the game. He has got injured, the doctors will find out how serious it is. On a positive note, our defensemen did a good job, just like the players who have just joined up with the group. However, the team has not yet acclimatized. The players will have a rest tomorrow.

- How did Alexei Lipanov perform?

- Alexei and Ivan Chekovich have played together at club level before. They also were in one line with Andrei Svechnikov at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament. They understand each other.

- Is the team ready for the tournament?

- I wouldn't like to draw conclusions from today's game. The result doesn't mean anything.

- Are you satisfied with Denis Minikhin's performance?

- He only arrived here late last night. Nevertheless, he played well today. As a result of Klim Kostin's injury, we will be forced into changing our lines around. 

Ivan Chekovich, Russia U18 forward:

- I'm satisfied with the game, we had good understanding in our line after playing at the Ivan Hlinka tournament. However, we could have scored more goals today. Why did Canada equalise in the second period? We began to relax, but afterwards, the coach gave us a new game plan which we stuck to.

I haven't been following what rosters other teams have, I only know that the USA have a strong team. It's a good experience that we will play against teams older than us.

Alexei Lipanov, Russia U18 forward:

- We feel good after winning against one of our most important opponents. It's always interesting to play with the Canadians. They played as we expected them to. All Canadian teams play physical ice hockey.

I know my linemates well from the Ivan Hlinka competition, we scored a lot there too. That experience helped us to play so well today. 

- At this tournament, the opponents will be older than you. What do you feel about this?

- After playing in the VHL in Russia, I can say that when playing older opponents, it's even more interesting. You need to make decisions with the puck faster, you want to prove that you are no worse.

- Why did the Canadians make it a tied game?

- We thought that the game was already done. The coach helped us to get back on our game.

- Soon, the Challenge Cup will begin against Canada West.

- There won't be any weak teams at this tournament. I think that after a couple more training sessions, we will be on peak form.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation