(WXYZ) -- The Detroit Red Wings announced the death of longtime team masseur Sergei Tchekmarev Friday night.
An emotional head coach Jeff Blashill made the announcement, adding the team didn't have many details at the time.
Jeff Blashill announced longtime Red Wings masseur Sergei Tchekmarev died Friday night.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) February 20, 2021
"He was one of the best people I've ever been around," Blashill said. pic.twitter.com/xC7ssCEpaA
"He was an unreal man," Blashill said. "Made it fun to be around the rink."
Tchekmarev, nicknamed "Cheeka," worked for the team for more than 20 years.
"He was one of the best people I've ever been around," said Blashill. "One of the kindest. Cared, had an unreal outlook on life. My heart goes out to his family, and certainly to so many people around here that loved him, including myself."
