It was with great sadness that the KHL learned of the death yesterday of Olympic and three-time World Champion goaltender Sergei Mylnikov, who passed away at the age of 58.

Mylnikov spent most of his playing career defending the goal of his home-town club, Traktor Chelyabinsk, but also had spells with SKA Saint Petersburg, Torpedo Yaroslavl, and in 1989-90, in the NHL with the Quebec Nordiques.

In 1988, Sergei was part of the USSR team which captured gold at the Calgary Winter Oympics, and on no fewer than three occasions - in 1986, 1989 and 1990 – he climbed onto the winners’ podium at the World Championships.

His finished his playing career in 1993 and took up coaching, and in his second career he enjoyed spells on the staff of Lada, Severstal, Vityaz, Krylia Sovetov and Automobilist.

He also played for the hockey veterans’ team, Legends of the USSR.

KHL would like to express its heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Sergei Alexandrovich Mylnikov.