Forever with Salavat. The memory of the late Amirov was immortalized in Ufa
Pavel Panyshev September 11, 2023, 19:30 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
The sign with the name was hoisted under the arches of the arena and the number 27 was removed from circulation.
Today, before the start of the KHL regular championship match between Salavat Yulaev and Metallurg, a difficult, but necessary and very important ceremony was held in Ufa in memory of Rodion Amirov, who died from a brain tumor. I still can’t believe that such a young and talented boy passed away prematurely, but, unfortunately, this terrible disease does not spare anyone.
Tragedy in Russian hockey:
A terrible tragedy in Russian sport. Rodion Amirov died at the age of 21
Recall that the player’s disease first became known in February 2022. Since then, Amirov has been undergoing treatment, Salavat and the Toronto Maple Leafs helped him, because it was the Maple Leafs who selected the player in the NHL draft with the 15th pick. The youngster had the constant support of his American agent Dan Milstein, and even German doctors fought for the athlete’s life. Dan, by the way, flew to Ufa from North America for the ceremony, which cannot but inspire respect. This refers to what is said that agents supposedly only need from athletes the percentages owed in the contract. Milstein himself was with Rodion from the first to the last moment, demonstrating to everyone his decency and humanity.
Now, under the arches of the Ufa Arena, the banner with the number 27 was raised, under which the hockey player performed.
At the same time, the issue itself has been permanently removed from circulation; This is another tribute to the memory of the premature Rodion. It is very important that in the current situation absolutely all parties have behaved correctly and correctly, there are no indifferent people. And how could they be when such a misfortune occurs?
The following is a moving speech by the father of Salavat Yulaev striker Rodion Amirov, Ruslan Amirov, no additional comments needed.
“On behalf of our entire family, I wanted to thank you, dear fans, and you, the team, each of you, for the honor bestowed on our son Rodion. What will happen today is not just or as much about sports as you think. This is something more important, first of all for our family. After all, we perfectly understand that Rodion was at the age when he was just beginning his adult sports career.
It seems to me that this is more a symbol of the victory of life over death. Victory of a person’s fortitude over a serious illness. Make a little boy’s dream come true. A dream that, perhaps, to someone or once seemed unrealizable, but nevertheless [ставшей] realizable. A dream fueled by prayer and hard daily work.
You know, this place, this stadium became Rodion’s second home. Really is. My wife and I just saw how much time was spent here and, in principle, all the guys. [из команды] They do it with him too. He spent a lot more time here than at home. This arena and you have become his family.
Relatives of Rodion Amirov and his agent Dan Milstein
Photo: vk.com/hcsalavat
One day he came here in search of his dream: to become a professional. But you know, God has his own plan for each of us in life. Recently, all together, like a happy family, we said goodbye to Rodion from here. And this is very symbolic, dear and valuable to us. I say to you, players, fans, club management, our parents, thank you very much and reverence for being with us all this time and sharing this pain with us. Thank you very much!” – said Amirov Sr.
Rodion, your memory will always be in the hearts of fans, journalists, hockey players and friends. And, of course, in the hearts of your relatives.
