London Knights player Abakar Kazbekov has died suddenly at the age of 18.
A tragedy has struck the hockey world.
The London Knights shared heartbreaking news on Saturday morning, announcing the sudden death of Abakar Kazbekov at the age of 18.
The Knights’ Saturday night game in London against the Flint Firebirds has been postponed.
“Abakar has been an important member of the team since 2021. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates,” said the London Knights and the OHL.
“Our hearts go out to the Kazbekov family and the entire London Knights organization.” said the Firebirds in a response on Twitter.
The news of Kazbekov’s death comes as a shock to all corners of the hockey landscape. Kazbekov is a Russian citizen and has played in the Russian U-16 and U-18 leagues, but his hometown is Richmond Hill, Ont. and Moscow.
Kazbekov joined the Knights as a 17-year-old in 2021 as the number 1 overall pick in the OHL U-18 draft, playing in nine games for the club and recording his first OHL goal on October 12 of that year. In 12 games with the Knights this season, Kazbekov recorded one assist.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
THE HOCKEY NEWS MAGAZINE
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