Konstantin Koltsov was a Belarusian professional ice hockey player known for his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Belarusian national team. He participated in multiple Winter Olympics and World Championships, showcasing his skills on an international level. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching roles, including assistant coach for Salavat Yulaev Ufa and head coach for the Belarusian national team.
April 17, 1981: Konstantin Koltsov Born
Konstantin Koltsov was born on April 17, 1981.
1997: Koltsov's Professional Debut
Konstantin Koltsov began his professional hockey career in 1997, playing for Junactva Minsk.
1999: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins
In 1999, Koltsov was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft.
2002: Koltsov Represents Belarus at the Winter Olympics
In 2002, Koltsov played for the Belarusian national team at the Winter Olympics.
2002: AHL Experience with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
Konstantin Koltsov played for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the AHL during the 2002-2003 season.
2003: Full-Time NHL Debut
In 2003, Koltsov started playing full-time for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL.
2004: Playing for Spartak Moscow
During the 2004-2005 NHL lockout, Koltsov played for Spartak Moscow.
July 1, 2006: Becomes an Unrestricted Free Agent
Koltsov became an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2006.
August 2006: Return to Russia with Salavat Yulaev Ufa
In August 2006, Koltsov signed with Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the Russian Super League.
2006: Koltsov's NHL Career Ends
Koltsov played his last NHL season in 2006.
2007: RSL Championship with Salavat Yulaev Ufa
Koltsov was part of the Salavat Yulaev Ufa team that won the RSL championship in 2007.
2008: Last RSL Champions
Salavat Yulaev Ufa became the last RSL champions before the league was absorbed into the KHL in 2008.
2010: Second Winter Olympics Appearance and Gagarin Cup Victory
In 2010, Koltsov again represented Belarus at the Winter Olympics and won the Gagarin Cup with Salavat Yulaev Ufa.
2010: Gagarin Cup Victory with Salavat Yulaev Ufa
Koltsov and Salavat Yulaev Ufa won the Gagarin Cup in 2010.
November 27, 2016: Retirement from Professional Hockey
Konstantin Koltsov retired from professional hockey on November 27, 2016, after 18 seasons.
2020: Divorce
Konstantin Koltsov and his wife Julia divorced in 2020.
June 2021: Relationship with Aryna Sabalenka
Konstantin Koltsov began publicly dating Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka in June 2021.
March 18, 2024: Konstantin Koltsov Passes Away
Konstantin Koltsov passed away on March 18, 2024.