Former Flames forward Andrei Kuzmenko’s father killed in bear attack

Alexander Kuzmenko, a renowned hockey coach and father of NHL forward Andrei Kuzmenko, has died following a bear attack in Tuva, Russia. Russian media network REN TV reported that a bear emerged from a forest on September 23 and attacked him. Despite first aid from companions and emergency medical efforts, doctors were unable to save him from severe injuries.

Pittsburgh Penguins president and general manager Kyle Dubas released a statement offering deep sympathies to the Kuzmenko family. Andrei Kuzmenko practiced with his Penguins teammates on Thursday morning before returning to Moscow to be with his family.