LONDON, Ont. — London Knights centre Abakar Kazbekov has died, the team and Ontario Hockey League announced via Twitter on Saturday.
The #OHL community mourns with the family and friends of Abakar Kazbekov and the entire London Knights organization. pic.twitter.com/eeybn1MFGp
— OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) December 17, 2022
"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."
According to news reports, the London Police Service (LPS) Major Crime Section is investigating after the 18-year-old's body was found on the sidewalk Saturday morning. Police said Kazbekov appeared to have fallen from the building.
The Moscow native had been a member of the Knights since the start of last season.
Kazbekov registered one assist in 12 appearances with London in 2022-23.
The Knights and OHL said Saturday's game against the Flint Firebirds has been postponed, as was the Sudbury Wolves match against the Niagara IceDogs
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2022.
The Canadian Press
