In a tragic plane crash, several prominent National Hockey League (NHL) players lost their lives while traveling with the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). The crash occurred on September 7, 2011, when the Yak-42 jet carrying the team crashed shortly after takeoff from Tunoshna Airport in Yaroslavl, Russia. The accident resulted in the deaths of 43 people, including players, coaches, and staff members, leaving only one survivor who later succumbed to his injuries.
Among the notable NHL players who perished in the crash were:
1. **Brad McCrimmon** – Former NHL defenseman and the head coach of Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. McCrimmon played for six NHL teams over his career, including the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Detroit Red Wings.
2. **Pavol Demitra** – A Slovakian forward who played 16 seasons in the NHL with teams such as the Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Blues, and Vancouver Canucks. He was well-known for his skill and sportsmanship, winning the Lady Byng Trophy in 2000.
3. **Josef Vašíček** – A Czech center who played for the Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, and New York Islanders. He was a Stanley Cup champion with the Hurricanes in 2006.
4. **Karel Rachůnek** – Another Czech player, Rachůnek was a defenseman who played eight seasons in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers, and New Jersey Devils.
5. **Kārlis Skrastiņš** – A Latvian defenseman who had a long NHL career with teams including the Nashville Predators, Colorado Avalanche, and Dallas Stars. Skrastiņš was known for his toughness and resilience on the ice.
The crash deeply impacted the hockey world, as these players were not only exceptional athletes but also beloved figures in their communities and the sport at large. The loss of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team is remembered as one of the most tragic events in hockey history.
