Promising start despite narrow loss

22 August 2024

Kunlun Red Star 0 Ak Bars Kazan 1

The Dragons flew into St. Petersburg to join the Puchkov Memorial Tournament in the northern capital. In previous summers, we’ve had some success at this event: back in 2018 three wins from four games was good for a bronze medal. A couple of years later, in the depths of our Covid-related difficulties, we were back but struggled to make an impact.

This year, it’s a prestigious event. Although the schedule doesn’t pit us against the host team, SKA, we’re up against another powerhouse in Ak Bars, an ever-improving Severstal team, and a Russia U23 roster that promises plenty of raw talent even if it surely lacks in experience and game management. Rounding off the competition is a meeting with HC Sochi.

The first of those opponents was Ak Bars. The Kazan team is undergoing renovation this summer following Zinetula Bilyaletdinov’s departure. Many of last season’s stars – Shipachyov, Radulov – have moved on as Anvar Gatiyatulin looks to put his stamp on the team. However, as we found 10 days ago, the new-look team is nothing to be sniffed at: our previous pre-season meeting saw Ak Bars edge a 4-3 verdict.

Today’s game was also tight. We set up with Jayden Halbgewachs and Rourke Chartier joining Brandon Yip on the top line. Elsewhere, the Foo and Wong brothers were playing together on their lines, while Nail Yakupov and triallist Austin Ortega were joined by Luke Lockhart. Konstantin Volkov got the start in goal.

It took a long time to get a goal in this one. Yipper had a decent look midway through the first period after Chartier’s deft backhand feed took the defenseman out of the equation. However, Amir Miftakhov spread himself well and the puck went wide. The Kazan goalie was at his best again to rob Spencer Foo on the breakaway as the opening frame finished goalless.

At the other end, Volkov distinguished himself when required, most notably snuffing out a solo rush from Kirill Semyonov. That came late in a middle frame where the other notable action saw a fight between Austin Wong and Yegor Babenko. It might only be August, but Austin wasn’t going to stand for any funny business and after Babenko clattered Ryan Merkley, our man was quick to drop the gloves and deliver some instant karma.

However, despite winning the physical battle, the game ultimately got away from us. Semyon Terekhov potted the only goal early in the third period to give Ak Bars a tight 1-0 verdict. It might have been different if Miftakhov hadn’t produced another great save to deny Foozy again but in the end we were unable to find a way to tie the game.

In Thursday’s other game, Russia U23 defeated Sochi 4-2. The Dragons have a rest day on Friday and return to action Saturday against Russia U23s.