The Canadian Press Published Saturday, December 17, 2022 4:23 PM EST Last Updated Saturday, December 17, 2022 5:15 PM EST
LONDON, ONT. – London Knights center Abakar Kazbekov has died, the team and the Ontario Hockey League announced via Twitter on Saturday.
No other details were provided, but the 18-year-old played in Friday’s 5-2 home win against the Owen Sound Attack.
“Today I join the entire OHL community in mourning the devastating loss of London Knights player Abakar Kazbekov,” OHL Commissioner David Brance said in a statement. “Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends in Russia and his teammates, billets and friends here in Canada.”
The Moscow native has been a member of the Knights since the start of last season.
Kazbekov recorded one assist in 12 appearances for London in 2022-23.
The Knights and the OHL said Saturday’s game against the Flint Firebirds has been postponed.
The OHL also announced the postponement of three more Saturday games: Erie Otters vs. Saginaw Spirit, Kingston Frontenacs vs. Peterborough Petes and Niagara vs. Sudbury, out of sensitivity to the people involved in the games who were close to Kazbekov.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on December 17, 2022.