The disappearance of Andrey Michkov: a case that drew a city into the search
The search for Andrey Vladislavovich Michkov concluded with the sad news that was confirmed by the official Telegram channel of the Sochi hockey club, where Matvey Michkov is playing on loan. The club expressed its heartfelt condolences to Andrey’s family and friends and stated that it would provide every possible support to Matvey and the family during this difficult time.
Andrey Michkov vanished in Sochi on the evening of April 2. Earlier reports indicated that he and his son had watched the opening game of the Gagarin Cup semi-finals between SKA and CSKA, which ended in a 3-2 overtime win for the visitors, before leaving their home. The last words heard were a promise: “I’ll be right back,” spoken to his son as they left their rented apartment a little after 9 p.m.
Matvey Michkov soon reached out without success to his father and promptly asked his club for assistance in the small hours of the night. Local authorities were alerted, and the city’s administration coordinated with law enforcement agencies to organize a robust search operation. A wide network of resources, including the search and rescue team called Lisa Alert, was mobilized to aid in the effort.
According to a source from the Sochi hockey club, Andrey received a phone call roughly 20 minutes after the last contact, but the caller went out of range shortly thereafter. By the next morning, the hockey club confirmed that police had been brought into the search, and all likely locations were checked to locate the missing man, though those efforts yielded no results at that time.
The search zone extended beyond Adler, where the Michkov family resides, with officers examining surveillance footage from nearby hotels and stores in an attempt to piece together Andrey’s possible movements after that evening. On April 4, authorities publicly stated that they were looking for the father of a rising hockey talent who is considered a leading contender for an NHL rookie draft in the near future.
News outlets later reported that Matvey believed his father had ventured to a local grocery store, though details remained unconfirmed. It was also noted that Andrey Michkov did not have any known conflicts with others and did not suffer from alcohol dependency. The news left the family and the entire hockey community in shock and concern.
In response, the Sochi Hockey Club pledged full cooperation with law enforcement as the search continued. The club issued a statement through its official channels indicating that Matvey Michkov is continuing his training with HC Sochi and that the organization is providing psychological support to the player. The club also urged media representatives to show sympathy for Matvey’s family and to refrain from pressing the athlete with questions about the situation in the immediate future.
Support for Matvey came from numerous quarters within the hockey world. A representative from a major broadcasting network extended their solidarity, expressing confidence in the team and in Matvey. The overarching sentiment echoed that of a tight-knit community: strength to you, Matvey — the hockey family stands together.
During this period, Matvey Michkov, an 18-year-old whose draft prospects place him among the top potential selections in the upcoming NHL draft, faced the young burden of public attention while continuing to work toward his career goals. In the past season, he appeared in a handful of games in the Continental Hockey League and spent additional time on loan with Sochi, where his minutes and contributions increased. He tallied a noticeable number of goals and assists during his stint with the club, suggesting strong development in a demanding league.
Reports around the individual who managed several of Matvey’s affairs indicated that his family enjoyed exclusive access to the Sochi locker room at one point, a claim that the club later denied. The identity of Andrey Michkov and his exact role within his son’s professional journey drew scrutiny and curiosity, while the core concern remained the same: locating Andrey and ensuring his family’s wellbeing in a moment of upheaval.
All parties involved continue to emphasize the importance of privacy for the Michkov family during this period. The hockey community remains united, prioritizing the young player’s focus and resilience as authorities pursue every lead in the search for Andrey Michkov.