Bruins to honor Zholtok
November 10, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Providence Bruins News Release
The Providence Bruins announced today that they will honor the late Sergei Zholtok by wearing decals on their helmets bearing his initials for the remainder of the season. Zholtok, a member of the Providence Bruins' 1992-93 inaugural team, died last Wednesday, November 3. The 31-year-old native of Riga, Latvia, collapsed while playing in a hockey game in Belarus, and was later pronounced dead of an apparent heart attack. He is survived by his wife Anna, and sons Edgar and Nikita.
"Wearing the decals of Sergei's initials is just a small way for us to remember someone who was a terrific person and a great teammate," said Bruins Owner Frank DuRoss. "We were devastated at his loss, and for the loss to his young family. Sergei first came to Providence as a 19-year-old who spoke very little English, but he became a beloved teammate and representative of the Bruins. It is very important to us that Sergei be remembered and honored for being the unique and respected person that he was."
Zholtok was the Boston Bruins' second pick, 55th overall, in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. He immediately came to play for the Providence Bruins at 19 years old for the P-Bruins' 1992-93 inaugural season, racking up 31-35-66 totals in just 64 games. His goal total still stands as a single-season franchise rookie record. Zholtok also made his NHL debut with Boston that season, playing in one game. He split the 1993-94 season between Providence and Boston, before playing one final full season with the P-Bruins in 1994-95.
Zholtok still stands as the Providence Bruins' all-time leader in goals (83) and points (186), while being tied for third in assists (103). He is also tied for the franchise record for game-winning goals (13), and ranks ninth in games played (196).
Zholtok had 2-2-4 totals in 25 games with Boston. He went on to play in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators. He had 13-16-29 totals in 59 games with Minnesota in 2003-04, before being traded to Nashville on March 5, 2004. He helped the Predators reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, tallying 1-1-2 totals in 11 games, before scoring one goal in six playoff contests.
In 588 career NHL games, Zholtok registered 111-147-258 totals and 166 PIM.
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