NHL's Kuzmenko heads home to Russia after father killed in bear attack

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko has left for Russia just before the start of the new NHL season following the death of his father, who was killed in a bear attack.

Alexander Kuzmenko, 62, an ice hockey coach in Russia, was fishing along the Krasnaya River in southern Siberia with a group of seven others when a bear suddenly attacked from the treeline, inflicting severe facial injuries.

One of the group called for emergency help, but thick forest terrain made it difficult for responders to reach the location quickly. Alexander was moved downriver by boat for roughly four hours before being airlifted to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Penguins president Kyle Dubas said the organisation was deeply saddened by the loss. In a statement, the team said its thoughts were with the Kuzmenko family as they mourn Alexander, and asked that the privacy of Andrei and his relatives be respected during this time.

According to the club, Andrei chose to stay with his teammates and take part in practice on the morning he learned of the tragedy, before flying to Moscow that afternoon to be with his family. The Penguins said Andrei and his family have the organisation's full support.

The 30-year-old signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh this summer and is preparing to begin his fifth NHL season. He has previously played for the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings. The new NHL season is set to open on 29 September.