Artem Kopot

Artem Kopot (July 25, 1972 - July 20, 1992) was a Russian professional ice hockey defenseman who died a month after being drafted by the National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins.

Artem Kopot
Born (1972-07-25)July 25, 1972
Chelyabinsk, Russia
Died July 20, 1992(1992-07-20) (aged 19)
Chelyabinsk, Russia
Height 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight 178 lb (81 kg; 12 st 10 lb)
Position Defence
Shot Right
Played for Traktor Chelyabinsk
NHL Draft 139th overall, 1992
Pittsburgh Penguins
Playing career 1991–1992

Career

Kopot played 28 games for the Russian Superleague team Traktor Chelyabinsk. He did not score any goals or assists with the team, but he accumulated 16 penalty minutes. Shortly after, the Penguins drafted him in the sixth round (139th overall) in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. Kopot was the first Russian to be drafted by the Penguins,[1] and one of three Europeans to be drafted by the Penguins during the 1992 draft class.

Death

On July 20, 1992, Kopot was involved in a fatal one-car crash. Penguins spokesperson Harry Sanders learned that Kopot was driving alone at the time. He died a few days shy of his twentieth birthday.[2]

See also
  • List of ice hockey players who died during their playing career

References
  1. Inquirer Staff (July 24, 1992). "Philly.com, Article Collections: Magic's Roberts Gets Offer Sheet From Mavs". Philly.com. Retrieved May 27, 2011.
  2. LA Times.com: Russian Traffic News: hockey, Artem Kopot passes away
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