Father of Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko reportedly killed in bear attack in Russia

The father of Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko was killed in a bear attack, according to reports from Russian media. 

Kuzmenko is about to begin his first season with the Penguins, but that will be delayed as he heads home to Moscow to be with his family. 

The Penguins said that after skating with his teammates on Thursday morning, he's traveling back to Russia to be with his family following the tragic death of his father. 

"It's obviously terrible news that we heard this morning," said Penguins head coach Dan Muse. 

According to Russian media outlets, 62-year-old Alexander Kuzmenko was on a fishing trip in Russia in a remote area of southern Siberia when a bear suddenly came out of the forest and attacked him, biting him in the head and causing severe tissue damage. 

The report said the group was somehow able to free him from the bear and used a satellite phone to call an ambulance, but it had no way to get to their location. They then traveled four hours by water to get to a spot with access for an ambulance. He was taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries. 

According to the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, Alexander Kuzmenko coached for 29 years, and the National Hockey Center in Russia said he was well known and worked with some of Russia's best players who currently play in the Kontinental Hockey League. 

His son, Andrei Kuzmenko, is now in his fifth season in the NHL after signing a one-year, $5 million deal with the Penguins this summer. 

"Deepest condolences to Andrei and his family," Muse said. "He's just a ton of energy, so outgoing, always has a smile on his face; he loves the game. Obviously, just really feeling for him here today." 

"Whatever he needs, we're here for him and his family, and however long it takes, we'll do what we can to support him," added Penguins Director of Minor League Operations Amanda Kessel. 

It's unclear how long Kuzmenko will be away from the team, as the regular season begins on Wednesday in Philadelphia.