It is with heartbreaking sorrow that we share the news that 16-year-old Kozyrev Artem, a former member of the Philadelphia Blazers Youth Ice Hockey program, passed away following a tragic car accident. The shock of his loss ripples through the hockey community, his teammates and coaches among those reeling as they come to terms with a young life so full of promise cut short.
Artem came to the Blazers not just as a talented skater, but as someone who brought warmth and positivity into every arena he stepped into. His coaches recall him as that rare athlete who combined fierce dedication on the ice with genuine kindness off it. Every practice, every drill, every game of his was approached with enthusiasm and commitment—and his teammates found his drive contagious. He didn’t just play; he inspired.
In the locker room he was more than “just our winger” or “our guy on the power play.” He was a friend, a mentor, someone who kept morale high. When someone was struggling during practice, Artem would offer a fist bump or a quick joke to lighten things up. His laughter could echo through the benches, and his belief in the team’s potential helped carry others through long hours of conditioning and travel. He was a leader, even at 16.
But the magic of Artem wasn’t limited to the ice. Away from hockey, his character stood out: compassionate, openhearted, always ready to lend a hand. Friends remember how he would drive a younger player to a late practice, or stay behind to help pick up pucks after a session ended. Often, instead of heading straight home, he’d stay and chat with teammates, ask how their day was going, and lift somebody’s mood. His sense of humor—light, gentle, unforced—was a gift that made him a joy to be around.
His passing leaves a massive hole in the lives of all who knew him. In the arena seats, on the benches and in the hallways of the rink, his absence will be felt. The Philadelphia Blazers program, along with countless others in the local hockey community, now gathers not just to skate, but to remember—to share stories of Artem’s energy, his impact, and the way his presence made ordinary days brighter. In that togetherness, they honor him.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Blazers organization and friends have rallied around his family. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with funeral costs and other needs during this unimaginably difficult time. Support—no matter how modest—offers a tangible way to show the family they’re not alone, and that Artem’s community stands with them.
Rest in peace, #17. Your time with us was far too short, but your memory—your laughter, your kind heart and the joy you brought into people’s lives—will live on. In the rink, in the car rides, in every shared moment you inspired. The hockey world and all who knew you mourn your loss and will hold your spirit in our hearts always.
