The hard-luck life and hockey career of 18-year-old Vilen Prokofyev came to a tragic end yesterday.
Late last year, the goalie for Snezhnye Barsy Astana of the MHL (mostly Russian junior league) was diagnosed with the extremely rare Ewing sarcoma. KHL's HC Barys Astana of Kazakhstan, whose system includes the MHL club, fundraised for Prokofyev's treatment starting in November of 2019. Despite the illness, Prokofyev managed to appear in 10 games for his team this season.
On Barys' official Instagram page, an official statement from the club said: "With great sorrow, we regret to report that the young goalkeeper of Snezhnye Barsy lost his four month battle with Ewing sarcoma. Vilen was only 18..."
"We extend our condolences to family members, friends, and all who knew Vilen. We thank those who supported him and did not idly stand by. May you rest in peace, Vilen. We mourn."
Back in 2018 he had to leave a game after being inadvertently cut in the throat by another player's skate.
Source: RIA Sport News
