Andrei Kuzmenko returns to Penguins after tragic death of his father

With emotions still raw, Andrei Kuzmenko was back on the ice with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday, practising with the team after more than a week away. The 30-year-old forward had returned home to mourn the tragic death of his father, Alexander, in Siberia.

Kuzmenko shares details of father’s death

Speaking to reporters after practice, Kuzmenko said he wanted to clearly explain what had happened to avoid any rumours or misinformation. He recounted that his father was on a licensed fishing trip with friends when the incident occurred. While standing in the water, Alexander was attacked from behind by a bear. Kuzmenko said his father struggled with the animal for an extended period and survived the immediate attack, but died two days later after suffering severe shock.

Kuzmenko added that the situation had been monitored by authorities in Moscow and emphasized that the outing was fully permitted. He expressed gratitude to everyone who had reached out to support him and his family during the past days, including the Penguins organization and fans who offered condolences.

New number 62 a tribute to parents

In the wake of the tragedy, Kuzmenko is changing his jersey number to 62 as a personal tribute. He explained that the number reflects his mother’s birth year, 1962, and his father’s age at the time of his death, making it a deeply meaningful choice as he resumes his career in Pittsburgh.

Kuzmenko, who signed a one-year contract with the Penguins over the summer, said he was eager to get back to work and rejoin his teammates. After dealing with two injuries last season, he noted that he had prepared thoroughly for the upcoming campaign and was motivated to play. "I missed hockey, really," he said, describing his return as a step back to normal life and professional routine.

Fresh start in Pittsburgh after difficult summer

Before landing in Pittsburgh, Kuzmenko had NHL stints with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings. The move to the Penguins was already set to mark a fresh chapter in his career; it now takes on added emotional weight given what he has experienced off the ice.

His presence at practice signals a desire to channel his focus back into hockey while carrying his father’s memory with him. How he manages to balance grief and performance will be a storyline to follow in the early part of the season as teammates, coaches and fans rally around him.