Former NHL Player and Partner of Tennis Star Aryna Sabalenka, Konstantin Koltsov, Passes Away at 42

Konstantin Koltsov, who used to play professional ice hockey and was the partner of tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, has passed away at the age of 42, as confirmed by a statement from Russian club Salavat Yulaev.

Koltsov, a forward, proudly represented Belarus at the Winter Olympics in 2002 and 2010. Additionally, he played in the NHL for three seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2002 to 2006.

He spent some of his playing career with Salavat Yulaev and won the team’s first Russian championship title in 2008 while working as a coach for them.

The club announced the sad news of the passing of Salavat Yulaev's coach, Konstantin Koltsov, in a statement on Tuesday.

Konstantin Evgenievich was a beloved figure in our club, known for his strength and cheerful personality. He was greatly admired by players, colleagues, and fans alike, forever leaving his mark in our club's history.

The cause of Koltsov's death has not been disclosed.

Koltsov often accompanied Sabalenka to tennis tournaments worldwide. Sabalenka, who recently won her second grand slam title at the Australian Open, expressed her admiration for Koltsov in a 2022 Instagram post. She referred to him as "the best man in the world" and credited him with bringing happiness into her life every day. People magazine reported that the two have been romantically linked since June 2021.

The world No. 2 lost in the fourth round of Indian Wells in California last week and is due to compete in the upcoming Miami Open later this week.

CNN’s Sergey Gudkov contributed to reporting.

Editor's P/S:

The untimely passing of Konstantin Koltsov, a former professional ice hockey player and devoted partner of tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, has cast a shadow over the sports world. The news of his demise at the age of 42 has sent shockwaves through the hockey and tennis communities, leaving many mourning the loss of a respected figure. Koltsov's contributions to the sport of hockey, both as a player and a coach, will be forever remembered. His unwavering support for Sabalenka, who has achieved remarkable success on the tennis court, was a testament to their strong bond.

The circumstances surrounding Koltsov's death remain undisclosed, adding an element of mystery and sadness to the situation. As the world grapples with this tragic news, thoughts and condolences pour in for Sabalenka and Koltsov's loved ones. The tennis world awaits Sabalenka's response to this devastating loss, as she prepares to compete in the upcoming Miami Open. Her strength and resilience will undoubtedly be tested during this difficult time.