Avangard Omsk Striker Ivan Telegin Remembers Heart Surgery During a Tough Season
Ivan Telegin, the forward for Avangard Omsk and a former husband of singer Pelageya, spoke publicly about a heart procedure he underwent and the hours he spent awake during the operation. The exchange came as Telegin reflected on a challenging period that kept him off the ice for months and tested his resilience as a professional athlete.
The 32-year-old shared that a persistent injury kept him from playing for eight months before medical tests revealed the need for heart surgery. The discovery marked a turning point in his career, moving him from routine rehabilitation to a medical path with significant implications for his athletic future.
Telegin recounted his visit to the Bakulev Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, a renowned center in Moscow. The procedure described involved addressing electrical issues in the heart, specifically the management of extrasystoles, which are premature electrical impulses that can disrupt a normal heartbeat rhythm. His narrative emphasizes the seriousness of the condition and the careful approach required to stabilize heart function.
According to Telegin, the surgical team prepared him for the operation by placing guiding wires through his groin and collarbone. He describes lying on a cold table in a calm, yet alert state, fully conscious over a four-hour period as the medical team performed the necessary corrective work. In a candid moment from a YouTube appearance, he described his thoughts during the procedure as a jumble in his mind, likening it to a foggy, uncertain mental space. The scene underlines the emotional strain that accompanies major surgery, especially for a high-level athlete who routinely faces physical demands and high-stakes competition.
On the ice, Telegin has been a notable contributor for Avangard Omsk. He is remembered as part of the Russian national team that achieved Olympic success, including a gold medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Games. In the current season, he appeared in 26 Kontinental Hockey League games with Avangard, recording one goal and six assists. The season’s narrative for the team followed a path to the playoffs, where Avangard advanced to the quarter-finals of the conference and prepared to meet Lada Tolyatti in a high-stakes series. This stretch encapsulated both personal and team challenges, highlighting the balance athletes seek between health and competitive drive.
Telegin has spoken about his recovery journey with a sense of gratitude and a continued focus on return to play. His story resonates with other players who face medical hurdles while pursuing peak performance. His candid account also offers a window into the realities of professional hockey life, where medical decisions, rehabilitation, and competition intersect in ways that require patience and determination. The broader takeaway is that athletic success often hinges on effective medical care, disciplined rehabilitation, and the support of a dedicated coaching and medical staff. The remarks about his experience are shared in the context of his ongoing career and his long-standing commitment to representing Russia on the ice, inspiring fans and teammates alike. [Citation: socialbites.ca]