Hockey mourns the death of Abakar Kazbekov, who played for the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League’s elite junior competition. According to media reports, a native of Moscow died on Saturday morning after falling from a building in the city center. Police do not suspect foul play, but an investigation is still ongoing.
Kazbekov also played for London in a 5-2 win against Owen Sound Attack on Friday. He has been with the Knights since last season, in which he scored one goal in nine games. In this year he has scored one assist in twelve duels.
After the tragedy, the OHL management postponed Saturday’s duel in London and two more matches of the competition.
According to a source who spoke to Canadian broadcaster CTV News, Kazbek’s death was “totally unexpected”.
The OHL is one of Canada’s top three junior teams, along with the WHL and QMJHL. From there, hockey players flock to the NHL draft or develop here until they’re ready for pro hockey.
17-year-old defender Oliver Bonk, who was born in Canada but as the son of former Czech center Radek Bonk and also holds Czech citizenship, is also traveling from London.
