Andrei Nazarov

Andrei Viktorovich Nazarov is a Russian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach of HC Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He has formerly managed the Kazakh team Barys Astana, the Ukrainian national team and been joint coach of the Russian National Hockey Team. In 2021, without any proof Nazarov falsified an accusation against NHL star Artemi Panarin. Nazarov, a known supporter of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, has repeatedly and publicly criticized Panarin for his outspoken beliefs regarding Putin’s regime. He has been nicknamed the "Russian Bear", and in his coaching career, the "Russian Keenan".