Team Russia goalie Askarov buys superglue for his stick after getting roasted at WJC

Team Russia had a disappointing tournament at the 2021 World Junior Championship, finishing in fourth place behind the United States, Canada and Finland. Leading up to the World Juniors, Russia was expected to be a tougher opponent, however they fell flat against Canada, and then again against Finland in the Bronze Medal game.

Russian goalie Yaroslav Askarov was trending way too much during the game against Team Canada as he inexplicably kept losing his stick. Even TSN commentators kept saying they had never seen a goalie lose his stick so many times. For two of the Canadian goals, Askarov was either without a stick or using one of his defenseman’s. 

Fans were ruthless on social media, roasting and making fun of the Nashville Predators’ first round pick after he couldn’t handle his stick. 

After the tournament, Askarov explained to a Russian Sports outlet why he kept losing his stick and thought of a solution to make sure history does not repeat itself. This is translated from Russian:

“There are two points here when it comes to club losses. Often the Canadians played very well on a nickle, and when the puck was in the fight, I went to shove it away. Second, the Canadians often deliberately blocked the stick, and I had only to let go of it in order to have time to switch. I’m thinking of buying myself superglue, glueing a stick. True, there will be a problem if you leave the gate. I need to figure it out somehow, I’ll think of something. You make such an accent … But the goals from the Canadians were not conceded because of her,” Askarov told reporters.

On Friday, the kid followed through with his solution and bough superglue for his stick. 

Good on him for being able to laugh about it and move on!