Penguins forward Kuzmenko steps away after father killed in Russia

Tragic loss in Russia

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko has left the team to return to Russia. The club announced on Thursday that his father, Alexander Kuzmenko, died following a bear attack during a fishing trip on Tuesday.

The elder Kuzmenko, who was 62, was a highly regarded hockey coach in Russia. He was fishing in the Tuva Republic, located in southern Siberia, when the incident occurred. Reports indicate he suffered extensive tissue damage after being bitten in the head by a bear that emerged from a nearby wooded area.

He was accompanied by six other people on the trip. The group was able to scare the bear away before trying to get help. However, the dense forest made it difficult for ambulances to reach them. It took hours before an ambulance could locate the group. Alexander was eventually airlifted to a hospital in the capital of Kyzyl, but medical efforts were unsuccessful.

Support from the team

Andrei Kuzmenko, who is 30 years old, was at practice with the Penguins on Thursday morning before departing for Moscow.

Pittsburgh general manager Kyle Dubas released a statement expressing the team's sadness. Dubas shared that the player wanted to be with the team before leaving. "Andrei chose to be surrounded by his teammates and practice with the team this morning before returning to Moscow," Dubas said. He asked that the privacy of the family be respected during this time.

Penguins coach Dan Muse also shared his condolences. Muse explained that the forward wanted to be out on the ice. "He wanted to be with his teammates," Muse said.

Kuzmenko signed a one year, 5 million dollar contract with Pittsburgh in July. He is entering his fifth NHL season. He has played 271 career games and recorded 85 goals and 182 points during his time with the Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, and Vancouver Canucks.

What it means for the next game

Pittsburgh Penguins at Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL, Thu, 24 Sep): Columbus Blue Jackets win 46%, Pittsburgh Penguins win 54%; projected score Columbus Blue Jackets 3, Pittsburgh Penguins 3. Our safest pick: Blue Jackets +2.