Andrei Kuzmenko, a forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins, has returned to the team after taking time to cope with the loss of his father, Alexander, who was killed in a bear attack in Siberia last month. Kuzmenko, 30, is in his first season with the Penguins and has decided to honor his father by switching his jersey number.
At the team's practice facility, Kuzmenko addressed the media ahead of Saturday's game against the Montreal Canadiens. He spoke with composure, given the circumstances, and explained the events surrounding his father's death. According to Kuzmenko, his father was on a fishing trip with friends when the bear attacked. Despite fighting the bear for an hour and 10 minutes, his father survived for two days after the incident.
Kuzmenko thanked the media and the team's fans for their support following the tragedy. He also explained that he had initially planned to wear the number 10 jersey, but has since decided to wear the number 62. This number carries personal significance for Kuzmenko, as it was his father's age at the time of his death, and also corresponds with the birth year of his mother.
Kuzmenko has played in 271 games in the NHL, accumulating 182 points, and has a background in the KHL before joining the Penguins ahead of the 2022-23 season.
The Penguins will face the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, with Kuzmenko set to take the ice wearing the number 62 jersey.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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