As the news broke of the plane crash in Russia carrying the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey team of the KHL, the rest of the hockey world opened up offering their prayers, condolences and sympathies to all those affected by the horrible tragedy.
Here are some of the many tweets from the Twitter world…
Marian Gaborik (@MGaborik10), New York Rangers:
Demo,u will always b in my heart.U were one of my best friends on and off the ice.U will be greatly missed by all of us.My condolences…
Ilya Bryzgalov (@bryzgoalie30), Philadelphia Flyers:
R.I.P.#Lokomotiv #Ярославль (con’t) My deepest condolences go to families and friends of Lokomotiv. My thoughts and prayers are with wives, childrens and parents of victims… Я не могу поверить,шок,хочется проснуться
Bobby Ryan (@b_ryan9), Anaheim Ducks:
I can’t believe I’m writing another one. Thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the KHL plane crash. Too many players gone this year.
Brandon Prust (@BrandonPrust8), New York Rangers:
The hockey world mourns yet again. Please God, we can’t take much more.. Thoughts and prayers in Russia and to all friends and family.
Matt Carle (@mattcarle25), Philadelphia Flyers:
Still can’t believe the tragedy that occurred in Russia…deepest sympathies to the players, coaches, and families involved #prayers #RIP
Mike Commodore (@commie22), Detroit Red Wings:
Another devastating day in hockey world. Tragic news out of KHL. Thoughts and prayers to everyone involved. Don’t know what else to say.
Dave Moss (@djmoss25), Calgary Flames:
Thoughts and prayers to the families of those who lost someone in the KHL plane crash, terrible summer for the hockey world
Victor Hedman (@heds77), Tampa Bay Lightning:
My thoughts and prayers goes out to all the families of the players and staff in Lokomotiv… #wordsarenotenough
Ryan Jones (@jonesry28), Edmonton Oilers:
Can’t believe what is happening this summer…Thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of the Lokomotiv team
Steve Sullivan (@sullivan26), Pittsburgh Penguins:
Another sad day in the hockey world. Thoughts and prayers to those affected by today’s tragic plane crash.
Curtis Sanford (@curtissandford):
Another tragedy for the hockey world to deal with. Absolutely heartbreaking. Thoughts and prayers for family and friends of all.
Devin Setoguchi (@dsetoguchi10), Minnesota Wild:
No words can describe this tragedy today… Thoughts and prayers to the families and friends #saddayforhockey
Andrew Ladd (@aladd16), Winnipeg Jets:
RIP Joe Vasicek One of the nicest guys I’ve played with and always came to the rink with a smile on his face. Gone too soon #canes2006
Tyler Bozak (@bozie42), Toronto Maple Leafs:
Thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of those involved in the tragic accident in the KHL today.
Martin Havlat (@martinhavlat), San Jose Sharks:
I haven’t tweeted in a long time but want to speak today. To all the families of the Yaroslavl players, coaches and to the families of my good friends Josef Vasicek, Jan Marek and Karel Rachunek I send out my condolences and sympathies. You will never be forgotten.
Zac Dalpe (@zacdalpe22), Carolina Hurricanes:
Another sad day for the hockey world. Prayers go out to everyone involved in the KHL plane crash.
Matthew Calvert (@mattcalvert11), Columbus Blue Jackets:
Very sad to hear about the plane crash. Thoughts and prayers are with the families.
Mathieu Darche (@matdarche52), Montreal Canadiens:
Horrible tragedy!!! Thoughts with families. Enough hockey tragedy this summer.
Michael Grabner (@grabs40), New York Islanders:
Another terrible tragedy and loss to the hockey world-thoughts and prayers go out to all the families..makes my body shake thinking bout it
James van Riemsdyk (@jvreemer21), Philadelphia Flyers:
Terrible to hear about what happened in Russia, thoughts and prayers go out to the families.
Kevin Shattenkirk (@shattdeuces), St. Louis Blues:
Another tragedy in hockey today with the Plane crash in Russia.. My heart goes out to all of the families and friends. (con’t) Hockey lost a great legend in Demitra.. Remember watching him play a few months ago at Worlds, #anothersaddayforhockey
Carl Gunnarsson (@carl_gun), Toronto Maple Leafs:
Unbelievable! Can’t get what happened in Russia. Thinking of all the families and friends. So tragic
Andrew Ladd (@aladd16), Winnipeg Jets:
Still in shock about the news out of Russia. Thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of everyone on the plane.
RJ Umberger (@umby18), Columbus Blue Jackets
I am sickened over the plane crash of the #KHL hockey team.. this has been an awful summer for hockey. #RIP
Taylor Hall (@hallsy6), Edmonton Oilers:
What an awful summer for hockey. Thoughts and prayers with the families and friends of everyone on that flight
Ryane Clowe (@ryaneclowe29), San Jose Sharks:
Hearing the tragic news about the Russian plane crash almost brought me to my knees.. So so sad and unfair. Prayers go out to all the families.
Max Talbot (@max25talbot), Philadelphia Flyers
Thoughts and prayers to the KHL team and their families. I’m in shock.
Evander Kane (@ekane9jets), Winnipeg Jets
Can’t believe what has happen with the KHL plane crash. Thoughts are with the players families and friends.
Eric Fehr (@ericfehr), Winnipeg Jets:
Terrible news out of Russia today. Prayers to all the family and friends involved! #KHL
Martin Biron (@martybiron43), New York Rangers:
Way to many players and families affected with tragic events this summer. Thoughts and prayers go out to this KHL team and their families.
John Carlson (@johncarlson74), Washington Capitals:
Gloomy day in DC and even worse news in Russia. Prayers to all the family/friends associated today. #KHL
Magnus Paajarvi (@mps_91), Edmonton Oilers:
Cannot believe it … thoughts for all the families around…
Logan Couture (@logancouture), San Jose Sharks:
Heartbreaking summer for hockey. Thoughts to everyone affected by these terrible, sad events.
Matt Duchene (@Matt9Duchene), Colorado Avalanche:
R.I.P. Rusty Salei. Was always real good to me. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all the other Locomotiv players families.
Nate Thompson (@natethompson44), Tampa Bay Lightning:
Tragic loss for the hockey world. Plane crash with an entire KHL team on board. Thoughts and prayers go out to there families and friends.
Ryan Shannon (@ryanshannon22), Tampa Bay Lightning:
A sad day. Thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the KHL plane crash.
Brent Sopel (@brentsopel), Metallurg of KHL:
In shock. Prayers out to all of the KHL families.
Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6), Edmonton Oilers:
Terrible news of the plane crash carrying an entire KHL team. Thoughts and prayers go out to all families involved.
Matt Moulson (@MMoulson), New York Islanders:
At a loss for words in expressing my true sadness for all the players/staff and families involved in tragedy overseas
Steven Kampfer (@stevekampfer47), Boston Bruins:
Awful news to hear about when getting off the ice today. Thoughts and prayers go out to all of those players families and friends.
Mike Rupp (@rupper17), New York Rangers:
Absolutely disturbing news out of Russia (KHL)… Heartfelt prayers to all affected!
Scottie Upshall (@scottieupshall), Florida Panthers:
Very sad news this morning in Russia – plane carrying KHL team Lokomotiv crashes. Our condolences go out 2 all victims families and friends.
Brett Connolly (@bconnolly8), Tampa Bay Lightning:
Thoughts and prayers are with the Russian team and families #Lokomotiv
Jack Skille (@jackskille), Florida Panthers:
Prayers go out to the players and family’s involved with the KHL plane crash. #RIP #sosad
Many other players and executives from around the NHL and hockey world also released statements on the tremendous loss…
Red Wings general manager Ken Holland: “Everybody’s in shock. It’s a sad day for hockey. My thoughts and prayers go out to them. There were 45 people on board with families, so many people affected. … (Brad McCrimmon) was a wonderful person. He treated people with class, treated the game with respect. It’s just shocking. A sad day. … (Ruslan Salei) was a tremendous person, really cared for his teammates, always happy when he came to the rink. Loved to compete, played hard. His teammates liked and respected him. He gave everything he had to give. He loved life. He’ll be missed.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman: “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 Players Association executive director Donald Fehr: “Everyone within the NHLPA family is deeply saddened by the tragic passing today of players, coaches and staff from the KHL hockey club, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. The club included many former NHLPA members, as well as many members of the international hockey community. Words cannot express the profound sorrow that this loss has created. Our sincere condolences go out to the friends and families who have been impacted by this terrible tragedy.”
Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman: “The thoughts and prayers of the entire Lightning organization go out to the family and friends of those involved in the tragic plane crash today in Yaroslavl, Russia. Even though it was thousands of miles away, today’s events touched the hearts of our management, coaching staff and players. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Yaroslavl community as well as the KHL. On a personal note, hockey lost a great individual today in my former teammate and colleague, Brad McCrimmon. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Carolina Hurricanes GM Jimmy Rutherford: “We are deeply saddened to learn of today’s tragedy in Russia. Josef (Vasicek) was a key part of the Hurricanes for six years, helping us achieve some of our greatest successes. More importantly, he was a great teammate on and off the ice, and was respected as a person as well as a player. Brad McCrimmon was a member of our team while we were still in Hartford, and was well-liked by all who came in contact with him. His presence in the hockey community will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go to the Vasicek and McCrimmon families, and the loved ones of all of today’s victims.”
Boston Bruins president Cam Neely: “On behalf of the Bruins organization I would like to express our deepest condolences to all the families and friends who lost loved ones today. I would like to express our sorrow to the McCrimmon family who lost a husband and father. Brad will always be a part of the Bruins family and will live on in all of our memories.”
Philadelphia Flyers founder Ed Snider: “I’m personally saddened to hear of the tragic death of one of our former players, Brad McCrimmon, and his team. Brad was one of the toughest defensemen to ever wear the orange and black. He gained the nickname ‘the beast’ for his tenacity on the blue line and his ability to shut down our opponents. Off the ice, Brad was a true gentleman. He was a kind, caring and wonderful human being. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, as well as the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy.”
Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren: “The Philadelphia Flyers are saddened by the loss of Brad McCrimmon today. He was a terrific player for us for a number of years. Brad was also a good teammate and a wonderful friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Maureen, their daughter, Carlin, and son, Liam, and their family at this very difficult time.”
Phoenix Coyotes GM Don Maloney: “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that took place today in Russia involving the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL) hockey club. On behalf of the entire Phoenix Coyotes organization, we would like to express our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who perished. The Coyotes lost two members of our family in Brad McCrimmon and Igor Korolev, and our thoughts and prayers are with their families as well. Brad and Igor were part of the Coyotes inaugural season in the Valley and we will forever remember the great contributions they made to our community on and off the ice. They will be greatly missed.”
The Anaheim Ducks: “The Anaheim Ducks organization is shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Ruslan Salei. ‘Rusty’ was a fan favorite and dedicated member of the Orange County community since being drafted by Anaheim in 1996. Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife and three children, along with all of the other members of the hockey community affected by this horrible tragedy.”
The Florida Panthers: “The entire Florida Panthers organization is deeply shocked and saddened after learning about today’s plane crash involving the Kontinental Hockey League’s Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey club, which included the loss of former Florida Panthers Alexander Karpovtsev, Ruslan Salei and Karlis Skrastins. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those families who have lost loved ones in this tragic and unfortunate accident.”
Colorado Avalanche president Pierre Lacroix: “The entire Colorado Avalanche organization is deeply saddened by this morning’s horrific news regarding the Kontinental Hockey League’s Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. Moreover, we are all in a state of shock regarding the deaths of former Avalanche defensemen Karlis Skrastins and Ruslan Salei. Our thoughts and prayers go out their families as well as those involved in this devastating incident.”
Colorado Avalanche executive advisor Joe Sakic: “I am still in disbelief about today’s tragic news. Both Karlis and Ruslan were unbelievable individuals and great teammates. They will be sorely missed. My condolences go out to their families and all those affected in this tragedy.”
Source: NHL.com, Twitter, Mlive.com
