SOCHI, March 8 (R-Sport) – Russia’s sledge hockey team intends to storm through the Sochi Winter Games unbeaten despite appearing at its first Paralympics, forward Dmitry Lisov said Friday.
Formed in just 2009, the Russian national team is nevertheless considered to be one of the favorites for gold after winning world bronze last April.
“I hope it will be fun. We expect to win each game,” Lisov said. “We must do it. We can do it. We need it,” he said about claiming the gold medal on home ice.
Lisov admitted that nerves were creeping in for the team’s Paralympic debut against South Korea on Saturday, but insisted that the home crowd at the Shayba Arena will quickly wipe them away.
“It’s our first game, we’re a bit nervous,” Lisov said. “Sure there is some pressure. But it’s great to play at home on home ice. All the [people in the] stands are going to give all their energy to us. I do not know what can stop us.”
In Group B, Russia will also encounter reigning champion United States as well as Italy. The sledge hockey tournament goes through March 8-15.
Group A has Canada, Czech Republic, Norway and Sweden.
