Sports
Konstantin Koltsov, a former Penguins forward and boyfriend of professional tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, died at the age of 42, according to his former Russian hockey club Salavat Yulaev.
While not the official cause of death, Belarusian publication Telegraf reported Koltsov died in Miami due to a “detached blood clot.”
“It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away,” the team said in a statement.
“He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans. Konstantin Evgenievich forever wrote himself into the history of our club.
“May he rest in peace.”
Koltsov played for the Penguins from 2002-06, appearing in 144 games for the team across three seasons.
His best season came in the 2003-04 campaign, when he played in 82 games as a 22-year-old. He tallied career-highs in goals (11), assists (23) and points (34).
For his career, Koltsov registered 14 goals, 29 assists and 43 points after being selected 18th overall by the Penguins in the 1999 NHL Draft.
Koltsov also enjoyed a successful international playing career, playing for the Belarus national team in the 2002 and 2010 Olympics.
He won the Russian Super League championship with Salavat Yulaev, which is located in Ufa, in 2008, and had been serving as an assistant coach for the team, according to Reuters.
Koltsov and Sabalenka, who is ranked No. 2, first became linked in June 2021, according to People Magazine.
She posted a heartfelt message to him last April for his birthday: “I love you @koltsov2021
Happy birthday my love. You are my dearest person, my best friend and my strongest support. Peace be with you , strength, patience and health. I hope we will have everything we planned. I love you.”
Koltsov attended Sabalenka’s Australian Open victory earlier this year, per The Athletic.
Sabalenka was in Miami ahead of Miami Open, where she is seeded second, according to the Daily Mail.
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Daniel Miller is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. His coverage spans from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis for sports enthusiasts.
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