Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko changes jersey number to honor late father

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins player Andrei Kuzmenko returned to the team on Friday after taking time off following his father's death in a bear attack last month in Siberia.</p><p>Kuzmenko, 30, who is in his first season with the Penguins, has decided to honor his father, Alexander, by changing his jersey number.</p><p>He addressed the media at the team's practice facility ahead of Saturday's game against the Montreal Canadiens.</p><p>Kuzmenko expressed his desire to speak to the media, acknowledging the reporters' responsibilities. He explained the circumstances of his father's death, which occurred during a fishing trip.</p><p>"My father go permit fishing with friends, and he stayed in the water," he said. "And bear (stand) behind him and attack. And my father fight (the) bear one hour, 10 minutes and he still lived after two days."</p><p>He also expressed gratitude for the support he received following the tragedy.</p><p>Previously, Kuzmenko wore No. 96 during his time with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, and Los Angeles Kings. Upon signing with the Penguins, he was preparing to wear No. 10.</p><p>Now, he will wear No. 62, which holds personal significance as his late father was 62 years old at the time of his death, and his mother was born in 1962.</p><p>Kuzmenko played in the KHL before joining the NHL for the 2022-23 season, and has played in 271 games, accumulating 182 points (85 goals, 97 assists).</p>