23 year old forward Pavel Krutiy dies in training camp.

A young man has died far too young while striving towards his dream of being a professional hockey player.

According to a report from the official website of the Supreme Hockey League, known in Russia as the VHL but also commonly referred to in English as the Higher Hockey League or even Major Hockey League and is considered the second tier of hockey in that country behind the Kontinental Hockey League, 23 year old forward Pavel Krutiy has died during their training camp after complaining of feeling unwell. Over the weekend Krutiy and the other players were participating in a routine day at training camp when suddenly the young man, who appears to have had no previous health complications and who had not complained about his health prior to this incident, complained to the team doctor who administered first aid and then had him transported in an ambulance to hospital. 

Unfortunately we are sad to report that Krutiy did not make it, dying in the intensive care unit as they struggled to try and save his life. Although only a preliminary diagnosis has been made public at this time it sounds like Krutiy suffered a pulmonary embolism which led to his death. It is always a tragedy when the hockey community loses one of their own but it's especially difficult when things happen to a young man like this who was entering the prime years of his life as a hockey player. 

There is no real silver lining here but I am happy to report that both the Russian Hockey Federation and the Higher Hockey League have already committed to providing the Krutiy family with financial support stemming from this incident, a pretty magnanimous gesture on the part of both organizations. Krutiy was training with the South Ural hockey club, with whom he was under contract, in the Russian city of Orsk at the time of the incident. 

Our condolences go out to the Krutiy family, Pavel's friends, teammates, fans, and loved ones.