Belarusian tennis star Arina Sabalenko has spoken publicly about the death of her former partner, Konstantin Koltsov, a figure who left a lasting mark on Belarusian hockey and coaching circles. Sabalenka expressed that the loss of Kostya is an unimaginable tragedy and stressed that, although their relationship ended long ago, her thoughts are with his family during this painful time. She asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult moment. This note appears on her social media channels and reflects a personal sadness that transcends public headlines.
Koltsov passed away on March 19, at the age of 43, reportedly while on a trip to Miami. His career spanned several roles across top Belarusian and Russian hockey clubs, and he was widely recognized for his leadership behind the bench. In the Kontinental Hockey League, he contributed to the success of Salavat Yulaev Ufa and also served on the coaching staffs of Dynamo Minsk and Spartak Moscow. He later took on head coaching duties with Belarusian clubs Brest and Dynamo, helping bolster the level of competition in the domestic Belarusian championship.
During his time with Salavat Yulaev, Koltsov was part of the team’s journey to high points, including victories that left a mark on the club’s history. He is remembered for his strategic mind and commitment to developing players, traits that carried into his later coaching roles. Since 2022, he had been part of Viktor Kozlov’s coaching staff at Salavat Yulaev, contributing to the club’s ongoing efforts to compete at the highest levels of the league. These professional achievements underscore the breadth of Koltsov’s impact on hockey in the region and his dedication to the sport across multiple teams and roles.
In related news from the hockey world, the sport mourned the passing of former Dynamo Moscow defenseman Chris Simon, who died at the age of 52. His career, like Koltsov’s, touched many teams and fans, leaving a legacy that fellow players and clubs remember with respect. The hockey community often reflects on such losses as moments to celebrate the contributions of players who helped shape the game in Belarus, Russia, and beyond. Attribution for these developments remains ongoing as news outlets continue to cover tributes, obituaries, and remembrances from teammates, coaching colleagues, and fans. (Source: various sports outlets and official club announcements)