Russia U20
Russia U20
v
Wikipedia - Russia men's national junior ice hockey team
The Russian men's national under 20 ice hockey team is the national under-20 ice hockey team in Russia. The team represented Russia at the International Ice Hockey Federation's World Junior Hockey Championship, held annually every December and January. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the International Ice Hockey Federation suspended Russia from all levels of competition.
History
Russia competed as an independent nation for the first time at the 1993 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Gävle, Sweden. Russia won their first medal, a bronze at the 1994 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Russia would earn silver in 1995, bronze in 1996 and 1997, and silver in 1998 after a devastating 2–1 overtime loss to Finland. Russia won their first gold medal in 1999, after defeating Canada 3–2 in overtime.[]
Russia hosted the World Junior U20 Hockey Championships in Moscow. In the quarterfinal game against Sweden Russia lost 4–3. The loss resulted in head coach Pavel Vorobiev showing his frustration towards his team. Switzerland and Russia engaged in a linebrawl in a placement game the same year, in which resulted in suspensions.[] Russia went on to win their second gold medal against Canada in 2002. Russia lost the quarter-final game in 2004.[]
During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, the tournament in North Dakota had the best players, who were due to make their NHL debuts made available. Canada and Russia met up in the gold medal game, which resulted in a 6–1 win for Canada. A year later, Russia would lose gold to Canada (5–0), and again in 2007 (4–2).[]
Russia's Alexei Cherepanov was due to represent Russia at the 2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Canada. Cherepanov died on 13 October 2008 at the age of 19 during a Kontinental Hockey League game when he collapsed on the bench after a line change. Russia was ousted by Canada in the semi-finals and go on to would win bronze over Slovakia.[]
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the International Ice Hockey Federation suspended Russia from all levels of competition.
Russia U20 has a rich tradition in ice hockey and is considered one of the top teams in the world at the junior level. The team is known for its fast-paced and aggressive style of play, as well as its ability to score goals and play solid defense.
The players on Russia U20 are highly talented and have often gone on to have successful careers in professional hockey leagues around the world. The team is coached by experienced and knowledgeable staff who help develop the players' skills and prepare them for the challenges of international competition.
Overall, Russia U20 is a formidable force in the world of junior ice hockey, and fans can expect exciting and competitive performances whenever the team takes the ice.