Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin donated almost $60,000 to victims of a New Year’s Eve apartment explosion in his hometown of Magnitogorsk, Russia, his former team announced Wednesday.
According to a statement released by Magnitogorsk Metallurg of the KHL, Malkin gave 4 million rubles to a fund established to collect donations for victims and their families.
The statement said the Penguins are also taking up a collection which will soon be added to the fund.
According to Russian officials, 39 people died in an explosion caused by a gas leak that leveled a block of 10-story apartment buildings.
Malkin wrote messages of support on his skates when he played on a national day of remembrance for the tragedy on Jan. 2.
“I want to say we support you,” Malkin said at the time. “We’re here. We’re together. Always in my heart, it’s my hometown. It’s the No. 1 city for me, for my family. I’m glad to be born in this town. I know there’s great people in this town. Something bad happens sometimes. We’ll try to help the families. Just be strong.”
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Jonathan Bombulie is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jonathan at jbombulie@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BombulieTrib.
