Artem Kopot

Artem Kopot was a Russian professional ice hockey defenseman who died a month after being drafted by the National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins.

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 in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. Kopot was the first Russian to be drafted by the Penguins, 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 single car crash. Penguins spokesperson Harry Sanders learned that Kopot was driving alone at the time. He died five days shy of his 20th birthday.