The death of talented Russian hockey player Abakar Kazbekov, who played in Canada, was learned the previous night. He was only 18 years old.
According to local law enforcement, the athlete’s body was found under the windows of an apartment. Police have so far avoided categorical statements about the cause of death, but explain that most likely Kazbekov died from a fall from a great height.
It is also emphasized that the violent death version is not currently considered.
Kazbekov, who previously played for the Russian and Vityaz youth teams, moved from Moscow to Toronto three years ago to fulfill his dream of playing hockey there at the highest level. He joined Won Kings without knowing any English. But as the athlete’s manager Marty Yazowski said, Abakar tried to settle in a new place and the language barrier was no longer a problem for him.
Abakar went to Canada for his older brother Gadzhi. According to the representative, the athlete’s father turned to him with a request to help build the career of his second son.
He said he had another son he wanted to bring here. We’ve come a long way to bring it to Ontario Hockey League (OHL) standards. Abakar was great, didn’t let the language barrier be a major barrier. I’ve seen teams that are weak and at first he was treated like an outcast. Abakar came to the status of an outsider, but immediately became equal with others, ”says Jazowski London Free Press.
Kazbekov began playing for the Won Kings and was selected by the London Knights in 2021 under the first overall point in the OHL Under-18 Draft. His career in the new team was not easy, he played only nine matches last season. Disabled due to shoulder injury.
“The shoulder was really a problem for him. The injuries he’s had in the last year and a half have been unlucky.
I know a lot of people were surprised that London took him first in the draft. The Knights chose a top team and a man from Russia,” Yazowski said.
Won King coach Mark Filippone said that Abakar contributed to his transition to a stronger team. According to him, the representatives of the Knights consulted him on whether to take Kazbekov.
“I remember getting a call from the Knights of London to ask about him, and I said he was an amazing man. All he wanted was to be on the ice. He was very good-natured, at the beginning I told my men he would help us even if he didn’t speak English. So just help Abakar.” remembered Filippone.
The 18-year-old striker played his last game on the eve of his death. On Saturday, the Knights beat Owen Sound 5-2, assisting his team in their 15th win in their last 17 games.
“I can’t find the words, I’m devastated and heartbroken. Abakar has a huge family, nine brothers and sisters. He loved his family very much, he was a strong, disciplined boy with a great desire to work. He was just a great guy, ”said the manager of the athlete Yazowski.
London Knights’ match against Flint Firebirds has been postponed indefinitely. By TASSThe Russian Embassy in Ottawa and the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Toronto are ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family of the deceased.
“In case of such a request from his relatives, the Russian Federation Embassy and Consulate General in Toronto is ready to provide the necessary assistance to Kazbekov’s relatives.
No one has contacted us, including representatives of the club Abakar currently plays for and the Ontario Hockey League. The diplomatic mission said in a statement that the club has been contacted to clarify the situation.