Kuzmenko Flies to Russia After Father Dies in Bear Attack
Andrei Kuzmenko left Penguins practice and flew to Moscow after his father Alexander died in a bear attack while fishing in Russia. The team expressed condolences and said there is no timetable for his return. The Penguins open the season on Sept. 30.
The bear attack occurred during a fishing trip with six companions in the Tuva Republic, a remote Siberian region. The group drove the animal off and rushed Alexander to a hospital in Kyzyl, but medical efforts failed. The 62-year-old's death came as his son prepared for his first Pittsburgh season after signing a one-year, $5 million deal in July.
Kuzmenko's NHL journey has been itinerant — Pittsburgh is his fifth stop since 2023. He was ticketed for a top-nine role after 25 points in 52 games with Los Angeles last season, though a torn meniscus ended that campaign early. The Penguins open at Philadelphia on Sept. 30 with no timetable for his return.
This tragedy may ripple through the Penguins' locker room as the season opener approaches, with teammates already expressing deep concern for Kuzmenko's emotional state. The loss could affect team chemistry and on-ice performance in the short term, while Kuzmenko's absence creates a roster gap in the top nine. Fans and the broader hockey community may also feel the weight of such a sudden, violent loss, prompting reflection on how personal tragedy intersects with professional sports obligations.