London Knights center Abakar Kazbekov dead at age 18
Posted December 17, 2022 2:09 pm.
Last Updated December 18, 2022 7:25 am.
London Knights center Abakar Kazbekov has died, the team and the Ontario Hockey League announced Saturday. He was 18 years old.
According to multiple media reports, Kazbekov died Saturday morning after falling from a downtown apartment building. London police are investigating the incident, but foul play is not suspected.
Kazbekov, who was from Russia, played in a 5-2 home victory over the Owen Sound Attack on Friday.
“Today I join the entire OHL community in mourning the devastating loss of London Knights player Abakar Kazbekov,” OHL commissioner David Branch said in a statement.
“Our deepest condolences are with his family and friends in Russia and his teammates, billets and friends here in Canada.”
The Moscow native had been a member of the Knights since the start of last season. He previously played in the Russian under-16 and under-18 leagues.
Kazbekov registered one assist in 12 appearances with London this season. He scored one goal in nine games last season.
The Knights and OHL said London’s game on Saturday night against the Flint Firebirds has been postponed.
Statement from the London Knights and the Ontario Hockey League on the sudden passing of Abakar Kazbekov. pic.twitter.com/JgpYOZq3fk
— London Knights (@LondonKnights) December 17, 2022
