Russian forward NIkita Dynyak’s phone fell on the ice mid game (Source: Getty)

KHL forward Nikita Dynyak became the center of attention during Ak Bars Kazan’s game on Monday when his cell phone fell out of his equipment and slid across the ice mid-play.

Referees picked up the phone and after some confusion on the bench, Dynyak admitted it was his. Avangard head coach Guy Boucher asked for an illegal equipment penalty, but the referees declined and resumed the game.

The incident went viral with fans reacting on social media. Many wondered why Dynyak had his phone during the game. Nikita Dynyak put these speculations to rest after providing a clarification:

“I had it on the shelf behind me, I put it down, took off my elbow pads and when I turned around, it fell behind me. And I didn’t feel anything. Like putting a cigarette behind your ear and not feeling it. I went out and didn’t understand anything at first.

“This is a very funny situation, maybe even a shame. There will be a new meme. A fine from the league? I don’t know, I hope the league will take pity on me, it was a pure accident, I didn’t do it on purpose.”

https://x.com/Uggg_uggg/status/1876324796381970444

The KHL has not made an official statement about the incident. It remains unclear if Nikita Dynyak will face any consequences.

Who is Nikita Dynyak? All about the Russian forward whose phone fell on ice

Nikita Dynyak was 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 on August 6, 1997, in St. Petersburg, Russia. Dynyak started playing hockey at a young age in Russia. He joined the SKA St. Petersburg youth team. His talent was clear early on, and he moved up through the junior leagues. In the 2017-2018 season, he scored 35 goals in the MHL.

This success helped him move to the VHL, Russia’s second-tier league. His strong performances in the VHL led to a spot with Ak Bars Kazan in the KHL in 2019.

In the KHL, Dynyak has become an important player. In the 2022-2023 season, he scored eight goals and added six assists. He is also known for being tough on the ice and willing to battle for the puck. In the 2023-24 season, he scored 14 points with a rating of 16.

Although he was previously not as well-known outside of Russia, Nikita Dynyak’s phone incident has made him popular in the hockey community.