The fact that some members of the Russian ice hockey team left the ice before the Canadian anthem was played for the winners of the 2015 World Ice Hockey Championship does not mean Russia is disrespectful, according to president of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation Vladislav Tretyak.

The fact that some members of the Russian ice hockey team left the ice before the Canadian anthem was played for the winners of the 2015 World Ice Hockey Championship does not mean Russia is disrespectful, according to president of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation Vladislav Tretyak.

"These are mere organizational mistakes and a lack of coordination, we did not mean any disrespect. We highly respect the winners, we congratulated them and shook their hands," Tretyak told the Russian News Service radio on Monday.

In his comment on the Russian national team's performance in the finals played vs. Canada, Tretyak lauded the coaches and athletes who won silver.

"We appreciate every medal today, and it is definitely hard to win. Unfortunately, we were unable to demonstrate our hockey style and made mistakes in the finals. That is because we have more injured players than ever. This is ice hockey, this is sport, and the Canadians were very strong in the finals. The coaches and ice hockey players did their best to make their fans happy. Silver is good," Tretyak said in conclusion.

The Russian ice hockey team won silver in the World Championship on May 18, 2015, after its 1-6 loss to Canada in the finals. Only eight players of the Russian national teams stayed on the ice when the Canadian national anthem was played.

The Russian team led by coach Oleg Znarok failed to retain the championship title it won in Minsk a year ago.

The silver medal won at the World Ice Hockey Championship was Russia's third. Russia was champion in 1993, 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2014.

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