Full Breakdown
Andrei Kuzmenko Switches to No. 62 to Honor Father Killed in Siberian Bear Attack
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Jersey-Number Change and Return to Practice
On October 2, 2026, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko rejoined practice after an indefinite leave following his father’s death in a bear attack while fishing in Siberia. During the session, Kuzmenko announced he will wear jersey number 62 for the remainder of the season, explaining that the number reflects his father’s age at the time of death and his mother’s birth year.
Background & Context
Kuzmenko, a 30-year-old Russian winger, signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Penguins on July 1. The deal marked his fifth NHL team since 2023. He has previously worn No. 96 and No. 10, but both are unavailable in Pittsburgh. The decision to adopt No. 62 follows the tragic loss of his father, Alexander Kuzmenko, who was 62 when he was attacked by a bear in late September. Kuzmenko’s mother, Galina, was born in 1962, a detail he cited when choosing the new number.
Data & Statistics
- Age of player: 30
- Contract value: $5 million (one-year)
- Previous jersey numbers: 96 (career), 10 (2026 camp)
- New jersey number: 62 (reflects father’s age and mother’s birth year)
- Father’s age at death: 62
Official Statements & Responses
Penguins head coach Dan Muse said the team had been thinking of Kuzmenko during his absence and expressed relief at his return. Kuzmenko issued a brief statement emphasizing his desire to present an accurate account of the incident and thanking supporters in both the United States and Russia. He noted that his usual number, 96, was unavailable and that No. 10 held no particular significance, prompting the switch to 62.
Why It Matters / Impact
The jersey-number change serves as a personal tribute and a visible reminder of the family tragedy for teammates, staff, and fans. Teammates described Kuzmenko’s presence as uplifting, noting his “great scoring touch” and the morale boost his return provides ahead of the home opener against the Montreal Canadiens. The move underscores the human dimension of athletes coping with personal loss while meeting professional obligations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He's obviously been in our thoughts here while he was away,” — Dan Muse, Penguins head coach
- “The next thing (is) about support,” — Andrei Kuzmenko
- “I be honest in my life and I don’t want to (be) false about these things,” — Andrei Kuzmenko
- “He has a great scoring touch,” — Connor Dewar
- “Now, I’m happy to go back to Pittsburgh,” — Andrei Kuzmenko
Timeline
- July 1 (2026): Signed one-year, $5 million contract with Pittsburgh.
- Late September (2026): Alexander Kuzmenko killed in a bear attack while permit-fishing in Siberia.
- October 2, 2026: Returned to Penguins practice; announced jersey number change to 62.
- Upcoming Saturday: Expected Penguins debut wearing No. 62 in the home opener versus the Montreal Canadiens.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact date of the bear-attack incident, with some reporting it occurred earlier in the month and others a few days later. No official clarification has been provided, and the precise timeline of the attack remains unverified.
