Konstantin Koltsov, former Belarusian NHL player, dies aged 42

By James On Mar 19, 2024

Konstantin Koltsov, the Belarusian former ice hockey player and friend of tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, has died at the age of 42, the Russian club Salavat Yulaev announced in a statement on Tuesday.

Forward Koltsov played for the Belarusian national team at the 2002 and 2010 Olympics and spent parts of three seasons from 2002 and 2006 with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League.

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“It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Salavat Yulaev’s coach, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away,” Salavat Yulaev, based in the city of Ufa, said in the 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.”

Known for his speed on the ice, Koltsov won the 2008 Russian Super League title with Salavat Yulaev and recently returned to the club as an assistant coach.

Sabalenka and Koltsov were first linked in June 2021, according to People magazine, and the world number 2 has regularly posted photos of them together on her Instagram account. “I love you @koltsov2021,” she wrote in a message with hearts and other emojis. “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 get everything we planned. I love you.”

Koltsov also cheered on Sabalenka after the Belarusian won her second consecutive Australian Open title in January. Sabalenka lost in the last 16 at Indian Wells last week and will play her first match at the Miami Open on Friday.