INNSBRUCK, Jan 13 - Alexander PROTAPOVICH (RUS) can tick beating Canada in Ice Hockey off his list of lifetime ambitions.

"I have dreamed about this since I was a child," he said after Russia's 4-3 victory at the Innsbruck 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games on Friday.

The difference between the teams on the day was even greater than the scoreline suggests. Russia's speed and skill proved too much and turnovers by the Canadian teenagers proved costly.

There were cries of "Remember that feeling boys," from the Canadians as they filed off the ice.

"Losing to the Russians sucks," Canada captain Joseph HICKETTS said.

The much-anticipated match attracted Russia Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry KOZAK, Canadian Olympic Committee President Marcel AUBUT, and International Ice Hockey Federation President Rene FASEL (SUI).

The teams traded goals early on and Russia was 2-1 up after the first period. It increased the lead to 3-1 on a neat passing play that produced a short-handed goal by Maxim LAZAREV (RUS) at 3:58 of the second period.

Both sides scored before the period ended and Russia went into the third period 4-2 in front.

Reid GARDINER made it 4-3 late in the third period and the Canadians removed their goalkeeper for an extra player in an effort to get the equaliser but they did not produce a scoring chance.

"I think Canada is our best opponent," Russian forward Ivan NIKOLISHIN said. "Every game against Canada is like a war."

YIS aa/rm