Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko is currently taking time off following the passing of his father, Alexander. According to the Russian broadcaster REN TV, Alexander was on a fishing trip with six others in Siberia when he was attacked by a bear. He sustained serious facial injuries and was bitten on the head. The remote forest along the Krasnaya River delayed ambulance access, but the group managed to scare the bear away before Kuzmenko was airlifted to a hospital in Kyzyl, where he was later pronounced dead.
Prior to leaving for Russia, Andrei Kuzmenko practiced with the Penguins on Thursday morning. Pittsburgh general manager Kyle Dubas expressed condolences, stating that the organization was deeply saddened by the loss and offered full support to Kuzmenko and his family, requesting privacy during this difficult time. Kuzmenko had opted to train with his teammates before heading back to Moscow to be with his family.
The 30-year-old winger signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Penguins this past summer after spending eight seasons in Russia’s KHL. His NHL journey began with the Vancouver Canucks in 2022, followed by stints with the Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, and Los Angeles Kings. The Penguins’ next game is set for next Wednesday against the Flyers.
Fan Take: This heartbreaking news highlights the personal struggles athletes often face behind the scenes, reminding fans to appreciate their players as individuals beyond the ice. It also underscores the importance of family and support networks, making this a somber moment for the hockey community.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
