Konstantin Koltsov, the Belarusian former professional ice hockey participant and boyfriend of tennis participant Aryna Sabalenka, has died on the age of 42, Russian membership Salavat Yulaev stated in an announcement on Tuesday.
Koltsov performed for the Belarus nationwide crew within the 2002 and 2010 Olympics and spent elements of three seasons with the Nationwide Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins from 2002 and 2006.
“It’s with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has handed away,” Salavat Yulaev, which is predicated within the Russian metropolis of Ufa, stated within the assertion. “He was a robust and cheerful particular person, he was cherished and revered by gamers, colleagues, and followers. Konstantin Evgenievich endlessly wrote himself into the historical past of our membership.
“Might he relaxation in peace.”
Famend for his pace on the ice, Koltsov gained the Russian Tremendous League title with Salavat Yulaev in 2008 and extra not too long ago returned to the membership as an assistant coach.
Sabalenka and Koltsov had been first linked in June 2021, in response to Folks journal, and the world quantity two has steadily posted pictures of them collectively on her Instagram account.
Koltsov additionally applauded Sabalenka after the Belarusian gained her second consecutive Australian Open title in January.
Sabalenka misplaced within the final 16 at Indian Wells final week and is scheduled to play her first match on the Miami Open on Friday.
