Two-time Russian hockey champion died during the tournament

Two-time Russian ball hockey champion Sergei Konakov has died at 59. He became ill at the veteran tournament in Korolev near Moscow, reports Sport Baza.

The tragedy happened at the Alexei Kasatonov Ice Arena. According to the source, Konakov played two meetings without substitutions, but before the last match he felt unwell.

Doctors arrived and began resuscitation. At some point, the pulse was restored, but the athlete’s condition deteriorated again. He couldn't be saved. The official cause of death is not yet known.

Konakov was one of the most famous players in Russian hockey. As part of the Arkhangelsk Vodnik, he twice took the gold of the national championship - in 1998 and 1999, and in 1997 he became the top scorer of the tournament.

During his career, he also defended the colors of Dynamo Moscow, Builder, Vympel and other clubs, won the junior world championship. After completing his professional career, Konakov continued to play at veteran competitions and worked as a coach.