Andrei Kuzmenko Takes Leave of Absence After Father Killed by Bear

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko is taking a leave of absence after his 62-year-old father, Alexander, was tragically killed by a bear during a fishing trip in Tuva, Siberia on Tuesday. Alexander suffered severe facial injuries and died after being airlifted to a hospital. Andrei had practiced with the team Thursday morning before departing for Moscow. The Penguins organization expressed deep sadness and offered full support to Andrei and the Kuzmenko family during this difficult time.