27-year-old Russian defenseman tragically passes away

It's been a heartbreaking few months for the hockey community with the recent losses of Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau, Stephen Peat & Jason Cirone. Sorokin's passing just adds more grief across the sport.

Sorokin last played professionally in 2021 for Molot-Prikamie Perm in Russia's MHL. Throughout his career, he also played for teams like CSK VVS Samara, Gornyak Uchaly, Tolpar Ufa, Reaktor Nizhnekamsk, Ariada Volzhsk & Avto Yekaterinburg in both the VHL & MHL. Over 329 games he scored 13 goals & had 51 assists. While he may not have been well known in North America he certainly had fans & admirers in Russia. His passing is a reminder of how fragile life is.

It might be beneficial for the NHL to offer more ways for fans to watch international hockey so players like Sorokin can be appreciated by a larger audience.

We extend our condolences to Yegor Sorokin's family & friends during this difficult time. He will be missed.