STOCKHOLM – Russia comes to the World Championships with a roster full of talent and medal expectations. Dmitri Kalinin has been here before and he knows what to expect. The big defenceman has represented Russia at the World Championships going back to 2002 when last the tournament was in Sweden. The 2012 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship marks his ninth appearance at the Worlds. In eight previous appearances Kalinin has won two gold medals and two silver medals. In 2009, Kalinin was an important contributor to the gold medal winning team in Berne, Switzerland. In nine games he scored two goals and five points. Two wins in two games by the Russians here in Stockholm are important steps in the process but a long way before the medal games are even a consideration. “There’s a lot of hockey left to play,” said Kalinin. “We are happy with the wins against Latvia and Norway but it will get tougher as we move along. We know this.” Kalinin was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 1998 and spent eight fairly productive seasons with the team before leaving as an unrestricted free agent in 2008. He signed with the Rangers that summer and earned a spot on their blueline until he was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes. From there, his journey, as has been the case with so many Russian NHLers, went full circle as he returned home to play domestically in the Kontinental Hockey League. He would spend two years with Salavat Yulayev Ufa and then the 2011-12 season with SKA St. Petersburg. With SKA, Kalinin put together his most productive season as a professional. In 52 games, he scored 15 goals and 35 points. Having seen so many national teams with names like Malkin, Ovechkin, Radulov and Datsyuk, Kalinin takes a measured tone when assessing this team. “This team is like many of the other teams I was a part of at the World Championships,” he offered. “Many of us have known each other for a long time and a few of us have played in the World Championships together already.” This Russian roster is also loaded with players from the Kontinental Hockey League, which also helps with familiarity. These players have gone up against each other in the KHL, or are teammates. “Having so many from the KHL helps for sure because there is some familiarity,” said Kalinin. “And then having Malkin and Datsyuk form the NHL fit in so well is important. Those players are obviously the key guys on our team.” Russia faced a tough test against Norway. In a tournament such as the World Championship, these challenges happen. Elite teams are tested which serves to consolidate a roster and helps build the character that proves the deciding factor in a medal game. “For this team to continue to be successful we have to keep playing hard and keep working. Things are going to continue to get tougher as we move through the tournament.” From a long-time national team veteran, these are words from an experienced hand. Next up Germany. JOHN SANFUL