I guess it is only fitting to discuss the tragedy and devastation that struck the hockey world this past Wednesday. A plane carrying 43 passengers, most of which were a part of the Lokomotiv KHL hockey club, crashed just outside the city of Yaroslavl. All but 2 of the passengers were found dead, after the plane was unable to gain proper altitude after take-off.
(The Lokomotive Hockey Club team picture. Photo: PennLive)
Nine of the 41 passengers that had their lives taken in this horrible incident had been members of the NHL. Players Pavol Demitra, Ruslan Salei, Karel Rachunek, Karlis Skrastins, Josef Vasicek and Alexander Vasyunov were among the victims. Alex Karpovtsev, Igor Korolev and Brad McCrimmon were the three Lokomotiv coaches that had also played in the NHL.
In honor of the players, the city, and its fans, the KHL has made it clear they will assemble a replacement team to participate in the upcoming KHL season. KHL President Alexander Medveded said he will ask all member clubs of the league to place three of their own players into a player pool from which the new Lokomotiv staff will pick to assemble the new club.
It has been a tough summer for hockey families and friends, it seems like more unexpected deaths have happened in the past couple months than any time I can remember. Derek Boogard, Rick Rypien and most recently Wade Belak all had tragic passings earlier this summer. All four incidents have touched and hurt many friends and families in the “hockey family”.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of all these great athletes. Let’s cross our fingers that the upcoming season will be hard-fought, exciting, and safe for all that are involved.
Those are super cute. I like you on Facebook.
Posted by: justin bieber supras | 11/02/2011 at 02:41 AM