A wonderful tragedy for London’s teenage hockey stars

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London Knights players are expressing their grief after the death of 18-year-old teammate Abakar Kazbekov, offering a glimpse into a loss that has stunned the Ontario Hockey League team and other sports.

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Kazbekov died Saturday morning in central London, hours after he played in a 5-2 Knights win at nearby Budweiser Gardens. Team officials have so far declined to comment publicly, but some players are using personal social media accounts to pay their respects.

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So sad you’re no longer with us Abby, you were a brother to us all, 17-year-old Knights defenseman Oliver Bonk, a star player and son of a longtime NHL player, wrote on Twitter. You will be missed.

Posted by teammate Landon Sim: Fly high bro I love you.

Already in their teens, the Knights are among the most famous athletes in London, routinely playing in front of crowds of over 9,000 in arguably the OHL’s flagship team. Many of them go to high school together at Catholic Central. Most of the community from Ontario, the United States and Europe live with host families while in London, as does Kazbekov.

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His death, which made headlines worldwide, shocked Londoners and even prompted the mayor and police chief to publicly express their condolences. Mayor Josh Morgan said: On behalf of all Londoners, our hearts go out to the Kazbekov family and the entire London Knights organisation.

Sources tell The Free Press that Kazbekov’s death happened in central London, where London police closed the intersection on Saturday morning after the body was found outside a luxury apartment high-rise. Police tape cordoned off Talbot Street near Dufferin Avenue, outside the Azure Tower. Police, who were called to the scene at around 8am on Saturday, said they do not suspect foul play.

Kazbekov, one of ten siblings, moved from Russia to Canada three years ago to play hockey. He played minor hockey for the Vaughan Kings AAA starting in the 2019-2020 season and was drafted by the Knights with the first overall pick in the 2021 OHL U18 Draft. Due in part to injuries, he played 21 games in London over the last two seasons and scored two points.

LFP hockey reporter Ryan Pyette called him a true gentleman who, after moving to Canada three years ago without speaking English, helped translate other Russian players in interviews this season.

Editor’s Note: If you need someone to talk to or need to connect with mental health services, help is available at Talk Suicide Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645) and Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868 or text 686868) .

1. “Only a good child”: Abakar Kazbekov, 2004-2022

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   London Knights are mourning the sudden death of an 18-year-old player