News of the death of talented Russian hockey forward Abakar Kazbekov, who had been pursuing his career in Canada, surfaced last night. He was just 18 years old.
Local authorities say the athlete’s body was discovered near an apartment window. While the exact cause of death has not been officially determined, investigators indicate that a fall from a significant height is the most likely scenario. They emphasized that an account of a violent death is not being considered at this stage.
Kazbekov previously skated for Russian and Vityaz youth teams before moving from Moscow to Toronto three years ago with dreams of playing hockey at the highest level. He joined the London Knights after arriving in Canada, even before he had learned English. His advisor, Marty Yazowski, noted that Abakar worked hard to adapt and that the language barrier ceased to be a major obstacle as time passed.
Abakar came to Canada to support his older brother Gadzhi. A representative described this as a family decision, with their father seeking opportunities for his second son to advance his hockey career. The aim was to develop him to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) standard. According to the representative, Kazbekov excelled despite initial language challenges, and he quickly earned a place where some might have written him off. He rose to become a valued member of the team, a transition that was not lost on those who first viewed him as an outsider.
Kazbekov began his tenure with the Won Kings and, in 2021, was selected by the London Knights as the top pick in the OHL Under-18 Draft. His first season with the Knights included a difficult stretch, as he played only nine games last year due to a shoulder injury.
The shoulder issue weighed heavily on him. The injuries he faced over the past year and a half were unfortunate, and many were surprised to see him chosen first overall in the draft by a strong organization from London. Yet, those close to him insisted that his character and determination stood out even before his on-ice achievements were fully visible, which is why the Knights’ leadership trusted him to help anchor the squad. The manager recalled that the Knights consulted about his potential impact, and the feedback that emerged highlighted Abakar’s resilience and willingness to contribute, regardless of language barriers.
Head coach Mark Filippone recalled Abakar’s role in easing his own team’s transition to a more competitive level. He described the process of evaluating the player’s fit and emphasized that the Knights were drawn to a young man who simply wanted to play hockey. Filippone remembered a moment when he was asked about Kazbekov and shared that Abakar’s genuine love for the ice and his easygoing nature impressed everyone. He noted that Abakar would thrive with teammates who supported him, even if English wasn’t yet fluent, and that his attitude would help him adapt quickly.
The 18-year-old forward played his final game the day before his death. In that matchup, the Knights defeated Owen Sound 5-2, marking their 15th win in 17 games and underscoring the team’s strong form late in the season. Teammates and fans alike expressed disbelief and sorrow at the loss of a player described as hardworking, disciplined, and deeply family-oriented, with a strong bond to his nine siblings. His manager spoke of a person who inspired those around him with his dedication and perseverance, qualities that defined his time in Canada.
The Knights’ upcoming game against the Flint Firebirds was postponed indefinitely in response to the tragedy. The Russian Embassy in Ottawa and the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Toronto stated they were prepared to provide any necessary assistance to Kazbekov’s family. Their message underscored a commitment to support during this difficult period. The embassy and consulate clarified that they would coordinate with the player’s relatives if such help was requested and that they would remain in contact with local authorities and the organization involved to ensure appropriate aid is delivered. No further statements were issued by the club or the Ontario Hockey League at the time of the announcement, but officials indicated they were seeking to clarify all aspects of the situation through official channels.