Konstantin Koltsov, a Belarusian former professional ice hockey player and girlfriend of tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, has died at the age of 42, Russian club Salavat Yulaev announced in a statement on Tuesday.
A forward, Koltsov played for the Belarusian national team in the 2002 and 2010 Olympics and spent parts of three seasons in 2002 and 2006 with the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Salavat Yulaev’s coach Konstantin Koltsov,” Salavat Yulaev, based in the Russian city of Ufa, said in a statement.
“He was a strong and cheerful person, loved and respected by players, colleagues and fans. Konstantin Evgenievich forever etched his name in the history of our club.
“May he rest in peace.”
Known for his speed on the ice, Koltsov won the Russian Super League title with Salavat Yulaev in 2008 and recently returned to the club as an assistant coach.
According to People magazine, Sabalenka and Koltsov first started dating in June 2021, and the world No. 2 frequently posted photos of them together on her Instagram account.
“Love you @koltsov2021,” she wrote in a post that included hearts and other emojis.
“Happy Birthday my love. You are my beloved, my best friend and my strongest support. Peace be with you, strength, patience and health.
“I hope everything you’ve planned comes true. I love you.”
Koltsov also praised Sabalenka after the Belarusian won her second consecutive Australian Open title in January.
Sabalenka lost in the last 16 at Indian Wells last week and is scheduled to play her first match at the Miami Open on Friday.
