Former Red Wings team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov has reportedly passed away at the age of 71 the team announced in a Twitter post.
“The Detroit Red Wings are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov,” the team’s Twitter statement read.
“Sergei was a member of the 1997 Stanley Cup championship team that brought the first Stanley Cup to Hockeytown in 42 years. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Elena and his two sons, Art and Max.”
Mnatsakanov along with former Red Wings defenseman Vladamir Konstantinov were both seriously injured in a limo accident just days after winning the 1997 Stanley Cup. Mnatsakanov was paralyzed from the waist down as a result of the crash while Konstantinov suffered serious brain injuries and paralysis ending his playing career.
The following season, the Red Wings wore “Believe” patches on their jerseys with Mnatsakanov and Konstantinov’s initials in the colors of the Russian Federation. Detroit eventually went on to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions sweeping the Washington Capitals in four games.