The NHL, teams and players react to the crash of the Russian jet that killed members of the Kontinental Hockey League team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl:
Pavol Demitra, playing for Slovakia at the 2010 Olympics, was among the former NHL players killed in the crash of a Russian plane Wednesday.
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson
"The St. Louis Blues have lost two members of our family, Pavol Demitra and Igor Korolev, and our thoughts and prayers are with their families as well. Pavol and Igor were both incredibly passionate and dedicated players and their influence in St. Louis was not only felt on the ice, but throughout the community."
Pavol Demitra's agent, Matt Keator
"Pavol was as energetic and smart off the ice as he was on the ice. He was a great person whose teammates and friends were drawn to him. I was fortunate to spend time with him three weeks ago in Riga at a pre-season tournament. He was a leader who organized a team outing after the game so he and new teammates could get to know each other better and bond as a group. As good a player as Pavol was on the ice, he was even better off it."
Calgary Flames on Brad McCrimmon
"It's with heavy hearts that we mourn the tragic loss of another member of the Flames Family today and everyone who lost their lives in this morning's plane crash in western Russia. Brad was a true representative of the Flames organization. His leadership, hard work, character and love for his family, teammates, his community and the game of hockey were evident in his daily life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brad and his family and the families of all those who lost their loved ones in this terrible accident."
NHL Players Association executive director Don 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."
Chicago Blackhawks
"We stand together with the entire KHL, NHL and hockey world in mourning today's tragic news concerning the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey team. The tragedy affects 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."
Vancouver Canucks
"Pavol was dedicated and passionate about his young family and the game of hockey. Pavol was a valued teammate and member of our organization and will be sorely missed. We send our deepest condolences to the entire Demitra family and their friends so affected by this tragedy."
Colorado Avalanche executive Joe Sakic
"I am still in disbelief about today's tragic news. Both Karlis (Skrastins) and Ruslan (Salei) 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."
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."
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."
