Andrei Kuzmenko Honors Father with New Jersey Number at Penguins

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko has decided to wear jersey number 62 in tribute to his father, who tragically died in a bear attack in Siberia. Previously wearing number 10, Kuzmenko made the switch to reflect his father’s age at the time of his death and his mother’s birth year, 1962.

Returning to practice on Friday, Kuzmenko participated with the team for the first time since attending his father’s funeral in Moscow. The change in jersey number holds personal significance for the player as a way to honor his father’s memory.

The sudden loss of his father has been profoundly difficult for Kuzmenko. He described the event as a “big shock” during the practice, reflecting the sudden and tragic nature of the incident. His father, Alexander, suffered fatal injuries from a bear attack while on a fishing trip in the Tyva region of Siberia.

Despite emergency medical efforts in the Tuva Republic’s capital, Kyzyl, Alexander’s life could not be saved. This personal tragedy comes as the Penguins prepare for their home opener against Montreal on Saturday.

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