Kasenov and Lilja on the first match with the Belarus national team

Barys forwards Jacob Lilja and Ali Kasenov shared their impressions after the first match with the Belarus national team.

Ali Kasenov

- Our line has received enough playing time. The most important thing was to fulfill the coach task. We tried to play easier and give our best in each change. Everyone wanted to prove that they were worthy of playing in the first team. It's nice to perform at this level, it should be an additional motivation for us.

- You spent several changes in the first team of power play. How does it feel?

- Yes, Christian Thomas did not play with us, and the coaching staff gave me a chance. We set the task – to close a goalkeeper, put the stick right for shots and make rebound goal. In this team, everyone had an opportunity score. It was interesting for me to try myself in this role.

Jacob Lilja

- It wasn't our best game. But so far this is only a pre-season. That's why we need such matches to better prepare for the championship. We felt a little different on the big ice, all the guys noted this as well. We scored in the third period, and it turned out better than the first two. The opponent was good. They played at high speeds. But we also had a lot of chances, we definitely could have scored more than one goal.

- Have you ever participated in additional mini-matches before, when teams work out various game situations?

- I've never participated in such thing before. It is clear that this can be done at pre-season matches. I think this is a good practice for every team. You can check the teams in shorthanded game and power play, and see various combinations as well.

General Partner of Barys HC - SWF Samruk Kazyna JSC

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