Former NHL Player Koltsov Passes Away at Age 42
The hockey world is mourning the loss of former professional player Konstantin Koltsov, who has passed away at the age of 42. Koltsov, who was also the boyfriend of tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, died according to a statement released by his Russian club, Salavat Yulaev. The news has sent shockwaves through the hockey community, as Koltsov was a beloved figure both on and off the ice.
Koltsov’s career began when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1999. He played for the NHL club from 2002 to 2006, earning a reputation as an explosive skater. While he never quite found his scoring touch in the NHL, Koltsov remained popular with Penguins fans due to his incredible speed.
After his time in the NHL, Koltsov returned to Russia and found success with Salavat Yulaev. In 2008, he helped lead the team to a league title, solidifying his place in the history of the club. More recently, Koltsov had returned to Salavat Yulaev as an assistant coach, further cementing his connection with the organization.
Beyond his career in hockey, Koltsov was known for his relationship with tennis star Aryna Sabalenka. The couple had been together for a few years and were a source of support for each other in their respective sports. Koltsov was present for some of Sabalenka’s biggest victories, including her recent retention of her Australian Open title earlier this year.
Unfortunately, Sabalenka has experienced her fair share of loss in recent years. Her father Sergey, who was also a former ice hockey player, passed away in 2019. In a recent interview on the Netflix series Break Point, Sabalenka spoke about the pressure she felt to fulfill her father’s dream of winning Grand Slam titles before the age of 25.
Despite the immense pressure, Sabalenka has managed to achieve her goals. At just 24 years old, she won her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 Australian Open and followed it up with another victory in Melbourne this year. Her success on the court has been a testament to her resilience and determination.
Currently, Sabalenka is competing in the Miami Open. However, the news of Koltsov’s passing has undoubtedly had an impact on her, as she mourns the loss of her partner and finds the strength to continue competing. The tennis world stands in solidarity with Sabalenka during this difficult time.
The loss of Konstantin Koltsov has left a void in the hockey community and in the life of his loved ones. His contributions to the sport, both as a player and coach, will forever be remembered. As the hockey world mourns his passing, we send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his presence. May he rest in peace.