Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011
Posted: 1:55 p.m.
By Tracey Myers
CSNChicago.com Blackhawks InsiderFollow @TraMyersCSN
Former Chicago Blackhawks Alexander Karpovtsev and Igor Korolev were among those killed when a plane carrying a Russian hockey team crashed in Russia on Wednesday.
The crash killed at least 43 according to the Associated Press, and most were players and coaches of Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, a KHL hockey squad. The team was traveling for a game against Dynamo Minsk, which was schedule for Thursday.
We stand together with the entire KHL, NHL and hockey world in mourning todays tragic news concerning the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey team, the Blackhawks released in a statement on Wednesday. The tragedy effects the Chicago Blackhawks family directly as we mourn the losses of Alexander Karpovtsev and Igor Korolev, two players who spent time with our organization and that our fans know well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl organization.
Karpovtsev played with the Blackhawks from 2000-04 and Korolev from 2001-03.
Other former NHL players killed in the crash included Pavol Demitra, Ruslan Salei, Josef Vasicek, Karel Rachunek and Karlis Skrastins. It was another tragic summer story for hockey, which has had too many of them these last few months.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released the following statement regarding the crash:
Though it occurred thousands of miles away from our home arenas, this tragedy represents a catastrophic loss to the hockey world -- including the NHL family, which lost so many fathers, sons, teammates and friends who at one time excelled in our League. Our deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of all who perished.
NHL
Tracey Myers is CSNChicago.com's Blackhawks Insider. Follow Tracey on Twitter @TramyersCSN for up-to-the-minute Hawks information.