Hockey Player’s Family Criticizes ASU’s Response and NHL Player Honors Late Father

ASU Hockey Player’s Family Outcry

An Arizona State University (ASU) hockey player, Matthew Mayich, is currently incapacitated after a strenuous workout session conducted during a heat wave. The player’s family attorney, Rob Carey, criticized ASU’s response to the incident.

Carey is demanding the immediate dismissal of the head coach, who has been placed on paid leave. The attorney expressed dissatisfaction with how the university is handling the situation and emphasizes the urgency for accountability.

NHL Player Andrei Kuzmenko Honors His Father

Andrei Kuzmenko, a player for the Pittsburgh Penguins, returned to his team on Friday. He took time off following the tragic death of his father in a bear attack in Siberia last month. Kuzmenko is in his first season with the Penguins.

During a media briefing, Kuzmenko announced he will honor his father, Alexander, by changing his jersey number. He addressed the circumstances surrounding his father’s death, recounting the bear attack that occurred during a fishing trip.

My father go permit fishing with friends, and he stayed in the water. And bear (stand) behind him and attack. And my father fight (the) bear one hour, 10 minutes and he still lived after two days.

Kuzmenko expressed his gratitude for the support received in the aftermath of his father’s death.

A New Jersey Number with Personal Significance

Kuzmenko originally intended to wear No. 10 upon joining the Penguins, after having worn No. 96 during his previous NHL tenures with Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, and Los Angeles Kings.

He has now chosen No. 62, a number deeply personal to him. His father was 62 years old at the time of his passing, and his mother was born in 1962. His decision reflects his desire to keep his father’s memory alive.

Before joining the NHL, Kuzmenko played in the KHL. Since joining the NHL, he has participated in 271 games, accumulating 182 points with 85 goals and 97 assists.