At the Penguins’ practice facility on Friday, newly‑signed forward Andrei Kuzmenko addressed the media before Saturday’s home game against the Montreal Canadiens. The 30‑year‑old, in his first season with Pittsburgh, explained that he is changing his jersey number to honor his father, Alexander, who was killed in a bear attack while fishing in Siberia last month.
Why the number change matters
Kuzmenko, who previously wore No. 96 with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings, had been slated to wear No. 10 for Pittsburgh. He said the decision to adopt No. 62 is deeply personal: his father was 62 years old at the time of his death, and the number also reflects the birth year of his mother (1962). “My father went permit fishing with friends and stayed in the water. A bear appeared behind him and attacked. He fought the bear for over an hour and still lived for two more days,” Kuzmenko recounted, thanking the outpouring of support he has received.
Career snapshot
Before joining the Penguins, Kuzmenko spent several seasons in the KHL and entered the NHL ahead of the 2022‑23 season. To date he has appeared in 271 NHL games, tallying 182 points (85 goals, 97 assists). His skill set—speed, two‑way play and a reliable shot—made him a valuable addition to Pittsburgh’s forward group.
Community response
Fans and teammates responded positively to the tribute, noting the importance of family and faith in the face of tragedy. “We stand with Andrei and his family,” said Penguins captain Sidney Crosby during the press conference. The organization also announced plans to support the Kuzmenko family, though specific details were not disclosed.
Looking ahead
Kuzmenko will debut his new number in the upcoming matchup with Montreal, a game that could serve as a meaningful moment for the player and the broader Penguins community. The team hopes his on‑ice performance will honor his father’s memory while contributing to Pittsburgh’s push for a playoff berth.
As the season progresses, Kuzmenko’s story underscores the resilience and dedication that many athletes bring to the sport, reminding fans that behind every jersey is a personal journey.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
