Former Detroit Red Wings staff passed away at age 71

Sergei Mnatsakanov, who endured severe brain injuries and was left paralyzed from the waist down following the tragic limousine crash in 1997, shared a similar fate to that of Vladimir Konstantinov, who also suffered debilitating injuries in the same accident.

The crash occurred just days after the Detroit Red Wings' triumphant Stanley Cup victory and forever altered the lives of those involved. Sergei Mnatsakanov, who worked with the team from 1993 to 1997, faced immense challenges in the following years. His son, Artem, once described how his father had to relearn basic skills like reading and writing and how his short-term memory was severely affected.

Sergei Mnatsakanov's quiet resilience and contribution to the Detroit Red Wings organization were deeply valued by those who knew him. Former Detroit Red Wings trainer John Wharton remembered him fondly, stating that "Natsa" was a skilled massage therapist, a tremendous team asset, and an even better person. His passing is a poignant reminder of the human cost behind the celebrated success of the 1997 Detroit Red Wings team.

Source: DetHockeyNow
Former Red Wings Masseur Mnatsakanov Dead at 71