Zubrus issues statement on former coach's death

The suspected prison-cell suicide of a former coach and mentor accused of child molestation prompted New Jersey Devils forward Dainius Zubrus to issue a statement about the "very difficult time."

Zubrus said in the statement his thoughts have been with the children his former coach Ivan Pravilov, 49, allegedly molested since he heard the news, but acknowledged the challenging emotions with which he was dealing.

Pravilov was found dead in his prison cell in Philadelphia at 3 a.m. Friday, authorities have reportedly said. He was in custody on charges of child molestation.

"Obviously, this is a very difficult time," Zubrus said in the statement released by the team during Saturday's game against the Florida Panthers. "Ivan Pravilov played an important role in my life. Unfortunately, I have come to learn that in actuality, he may have been very different than the person I thought he was."

Pravilov, who ran a prestigious hockey school in Ukraine for three decades starting in the 1980s, allegedly fondled two 14-year-old Ukrainian boys at his Philadelphia home on Jan. 3.

Zubrus, who lived with the coach at some point when he was younger, has said he was never abused by him, according to The (Newark) Star-Ledger.

"Since learning of the terrible accusations against my former coach, all my thoughts and concerns have been for the children," Zubrus said in the statement. "I have reached out to the children, and assured them that I am, and will continue to be, there for them."

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