Russia Wins Russian Government Cup

Trud Stadium, IRKUTSK, Russia -- In the marquee matchup of the Russian Government Cup, Russia topped Sweden 2-1 to win the tournament.

The result in this shockingly low-scoring affair was not decided until the 75th minute, when Viktor Chernyshyov scored the game winner for Russia. SKA-Neftyanik Khabarovsk's Yevgeny Mavrin had the other goal for Russia, while Andreas Westh of Bollnas GoIF scored the lone goal for Sweden.

In the earlier matchup of the day, Baikal-Energia halted their losing streak with a win over Norway. Dmitry Sokolov led the way for Irkutsk, scoring two goals to go along with scores from Alexander Nasonov, Konstantin Savchenko and Denis Norkhin to give them the 5-1 win.

Tournament All-Star Team:

Goaltender: Roman Geyzel (Russia)
Defenders: Andreas Westh (Sweden), Yury Vikulin, Pyotr Zakharov (Russia)
Midfielders: Daniel Mossberg, Magnus Olsson (Sweden), Denis Kriushenkov (Russia), Christian Waaler (Norway), Sergei Rogulev (Baikal-Energia)
Forwards: Maxim Pakhomov (Russia), David Karlsson (Sweden)

Tournament Awards:

Best Goalie: Roman Geyzel (Russia)
Best Defender: Andreas Westh (Sweden)
Best Midfielder: David Mossberg (Sweden)
Best Forward: Maxim Pakhomov (Russia)

Russia, Sweden Continue to Roll at RGC

Trud Stadium, IRKUTSK, Russia -- Baikal-Energia Irkutsk could not keep pace with the firepower of the Russian national squad as they lost 7-3 on the second day of the Russian Government Cup.

Baikal trailed 3-2 after the first half, but Russia began to pour it on in the second. Maxim Pakhomov had another strong performance as he netted four goals for Russia. Sergei Rogulev scored a pair, while Sergei Yusupov had Baikal's other goal.

Stroitel Stadium, SHELEKHOV, Russia -- Just 20 kilometers away in Shelekhov, Sweden joined Russia among the tournament's undefeateds as they wholloped Norway 13-2, setting up Sunday's big matchup between the international powerhouses in Irkutsk.

Russia Beats Norway, Baikal Falls to Sweden in RGC

Trud Stadium, IRKUTSK, Russia -- The finalists from this past year's bandy world championships got off to a strong start at the Russian Government Cup, as Russia defeated Norway, and Sweden easily beat tournament hosts Baikal-Energia.

Stroitel Syktyvkar's Maxim Pakhomov starred for Russia, as he scored three goals in the 10-2 victory, including the game winner. Viktor Chernyshyov of Raketa Kazan opened the scoring in the first minute as part of his two-goal effort.

Erik Meier, who plays for Norwegian club Ulleval IL, scored Norway's first goal in the 41st minute. Christan Waller, from Swedish club Hammarby IF, scored their only other goal in 82nd minute.

Sweden also had an impressive showing against Baikal, and Russian league veterans led the way for the Swedes. Zorky Krasnogorsk star Daniel Andersson scored a pair of goals, while Uralsky Trubnik's David Karlsson managed a hit trick. Maxim Koshelev and Alexander Nasonov scored the home side's only two goals to make the final score 7-2.

The next matches will be played Saturday, as Russia plays Baikal-Energia and Sweden takes on Norway.