After losing the gold-medal game to Team Canada at the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championship Team Russia forwards Nikita Chibrikov and Matvei Michkov as well as head-coach Albert Leschyov share their thoughts.

Nikita Chibrikov, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg and Team Russia forward.

“Canadians found their chances and pounced on it. They made us pay for a micro mistake,” believes Nikita Chibrikov. “That’s how you win games like this. They found their chance. Did we feel tired following the semifinal game? I can’t say we did. Everyone played hard.”

Matvei Michkov, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg and Team Russia forward.

“We came here to win only gold. Silver is not the best result,” adds Matvei Michkov. “We’re going to put this loss behind us and get ready for next games. With God’s help, we’re going to do better. We’re going to keep working hard and do our best to win gold. I won’t say anything about [Connor] Bedard. The guy won gold and we lost. It’s just what happened. That’s life. We have to own up to the loss. I congratulate him on the win. Hopefully, we can get even soon enough.”

Albert Leschyov, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg and Team Russia head-coach.

“I take my hat off for the boys. They showed true Russia character,” says Albert Leschyov. “We played for our country. I have nothing negative to say about the boys, I’m not ashamed of their play. I don’t believe that Canadians had the momentum on their side. I’m pleased with Sergei Ivanov. I have no reproaches towards him. Matvei Michkov is a very talented player. He has a bright future ahead of him. He has his own style and logic. He’s the guy who has a knack for scoring goals.

“This season every tournament was cancelled. It was difficult to prepare but we kept track of our candidates. It was great to work with everyone who made the final cut for the world championship. I have found common ground with everyone. We were a family and the gold-medal game showed it tonight.”