Attorney Criticizes ASU After Player’s Injury; Kuzmenko Honors Late Father

ASU Criticized Over Player’s Condition

An Arizona State University (ASU) hockey player is still incapacitated after an intense workout during a heat wave. The player’s family attorney, Rob Carey, has criticized the university’s response to the situation. Carey is calling for the immediate dismissal of the head coach, who is currently on paid leave. The player, Matthew Mayich, suffered injuries during the workout, prompting the attorney and family to demand accountability from ASU.

Kuzmenko Honors Father With Jersey Change

Andrei Kuzmenko of the Pittsburgh Penguins made his return to the team on Friday. He had taken a break following the tragic death of his father in a bear attack in Siberia. Kuzmenko, 30, is in his first season with the Penguins. He has decided to honor his father, Alexander, by changing his jersey number.

At the team’s practice facility, Kuzmenko explained the tragic incident to the media. “My father was on a fishing trip with friends,” he said. “A bear attacked him, and he fought the bear for an hour and ten minutes. He survived for two days after the attack.” Kuzmenko expressed gratitude for the support he received following the incident.

Kuzmenko, who has played for several NHL teams including the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames, traditionally wore No. 96. Upon joining the Penguins, he planned to wear No. 10. Now, he will wear No. 62. This change holds personal meaning as his father was 62 years old when he died, and his mother was born in 1962.

Before entering the NHL in the 2022-23 season, Kuzmenko played in the KHL. He has since played 271 games in the NHL, scoring 182 points with 85 goals and 97 assists.