Hockey Fan Tragically Passes Away After Medical Emergency During Game
A hockey fan in Russia tragically passed away today after he had a medical episode in the stands during a game.
The hockey world is no stranger to tragedies. In fact, over the course of the last year or so we have seen two of the most prominent tragedies in hockey history.
First, former Penguins forward Adam Johnson passed away during a match in the EIHL.
Then, just as training camps were about to open this year, we lost Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau after they were hit by a car in New Jersey.
Both of these incidents were widely reported and all three men have been mourned by their friends, families, teammates, and fans in the past several months.
These kinds of things are a part of life, but no one ever wants to go through it themselves.
Tonight we witnessed another tragedy as a fan in Russia sadly lost their life during a VHL match between local Sokol and Rubin.
The VHL is the second-tier professional league in Russia, serving as the equivalent to the AHL, with most teams affiliated with a KHL club.
In fact, it is very common for prospects of both KHL and NHL teams to be playing in the league.
During this match where a fan tragically lost their life, there were two NHL affiliated prospects playing.
Vladimir Bobylyov, who was a 5th round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, does not appear to have NHL upside, but the team still retains his rights.
Denis Gabdrakhmanov on the other hand, was selected in the 7th round by the Florida Panthers last season.
The 6'5" netminder has made 5 appearances in the VHL this season, putting up stellar numbers with a 1.49 goals-against-average and a .940 save percentage.
It is still a long way to the NHL, but the upside is there, especially as goalie prospects can develop seemingly randomly.
Regardless, our hearts go out to the fan who lost his life during this game.
The Blade of Steel family would like to send our deepest condolences to his family and friends in this difficult time. Rest in peace.
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FEVRIER 8 | 129 ANSWERS Hockey Fan Tragically Passes Away After Medical Emergency During Game Do you think either Vladimir Bobylyov or Denis Gabdrakhmanov will ever play in the NHL? | ||
