This is not a good summer for hockey. First, we learn of the deaths of Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien, and Wade Belak for various reasons. Now, almost the entire KHL Locomotiv Yaraslavl team has been killed in a plane crash. According to reports, the plane crashed shortly after take off. Players on the team include Ruslan Salei, Pavol Demitra, and former Ranger Karel Rachunek, the team’s captain. It is being reported that 36 of the plane’s 37 passengers have been killed.

Reports out state that the entire main roster was on the plane, although this has not been confirmed.

Update 10:08am: Former Ranger Alex Karpotsev is the team’s assistant coach. Current Ranger Artem Anisimov is a product of this team, and knew many players on board.

Update 10:20am: It has been confirmed that 43 people have died from the crash. There is at least one survivor, reported to be Alexander Galimov, who is badly injured.

Update 10:25am: It is being reported that Galimov is among three survirors, but the only player to survive. It is being reported that the plane could not reach proper altitude and hit a radar antenna after take off.

Update: 11:15am: There are conflicting reports on Salei, but it has been confirmed that Demitra has died in the crash. It has also been confirmed that former NHL player Brad McCrimmon, the head coach, has died in the crash. It has been confirmed that former Ranger Karel Rachunek had died in the crash. Former Ranger draft pick Jan Marek (2003-8th round) was on the plane. Confirmed on the plane also was Alex Karpotsev. I’ll never forget his celebration with the Cup in 94.

The Wiki for the plane crash has a list of those that were on board. It is being reported that Galimov succumbed to his injuries. No one from the team who was on the plane appears to have survived.

Update 11:53am: Quoting @dchesnokov: Lokomotiv official: “At first we didn’t want to believe it. But right now there is no hope. The team is gone.”

Update 1:40pm: It has been confirmed that Salei was on the plane, and has also perished in the crash.

This is horrible.

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