Andrei Kuzmenko has left the Pittsburgh Penguins on a personal leave after the death of his father, Alexander Kuzmenko, who died following a bear attack during a fishing trip in southern Siberia.
Penguins support Kuzmenko after family tragedy
Kuzmenko, 30, took part in Pittsburgh’s Thursday practice before departing for Moscow to be with his family. Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said the club was informed of Alexander Kuzmenko’s death that morning and asked for privacy for the player and his relatives.
Dubas said Kuzmenko elected to spend time at the rink with his teammates before beginning the trip home. The Penguins, he added, will support Kuzmenko and his family throughout the mourning period.
- Kuzmenko practiced with Pittsburgh on Thursday before leaving Russia-bound later that day.
- The Penguins described the organization as deeply saddened by the loss.
- Dubas extended condolences to the Kuzmenko family and those close to Alexander Kuzmenko.
- The club requested that the family’s privacy be respected.
Attack occurred during fishing trip in Tuva Republic
Alexander Kuzmenko, 62, was a well-regarded hockey coach in Russia. He was fishing with six other people Tuesday in the Tuva Republic, a region in southern Siberia, when a bear reportedly came out of nearby woods and attacked him.
Russian reports said he suffered severe injuries after the animal bit him in the head. The people traveling with him were able to force the bear away, then brought Kuzmenko to a nearby settlement. He was later flown to a hospital in Kyzyl, the regional capital, where he died from his injuries.
Kuzmenko begins his Pittsburgh chapter
The Penguins signed Kuzmenko to a one-year contract worth $5 million on July 1. He is heading into his fifth NHL season after a campaign split by injury and limited games with the Los Angeles Kings.
He recorded 13 goals and 12 assists in 52 regular-season games for Los Angeles last season. His year ended after knee surgery in February to repair a torn meniscus.
NHL record
- 271 regular-season games with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and Kings.
- 85 goals and 97 assists for 182 career regular-season points.
- Seven Stanley Cup Playoff games, producing three goals and three assists.
