Thursday, September 8, 2011

Two former Devils perish in Russian plane crash

The tragic plane crash that killed 43 people and 36 members of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl organization hits home with the Devils family as two of the players were former Devils.
Karel Rachunek and Alexander Vasuynov were not the biggest names of the deceased players,but they were notable to Devils fans.
Rachunek spent the 2007-08 with the Devils after spending most of his career with Ottawa,while Vasuynov spent most of his time with the AHL Devils before a eighteen game debut last season.
Vasuynov had just joined the KHL franchise after last season with the Devils retaining his NHL rights.

The biggest names were long time NHLer and team coach Brad McCrimmon and former NHL star and captain of the Slovakian national team Pavol Demitra,but they were among a large number of former NHL players lost in the crash.

The amazing thing is that when you consider the amount of times that pro athletes get on planes and especially for basketball and hockey team,which are usually on one night stands that this does not happen more often.
The constant on and off planes and catching connecting flights has to be a concern,no matter who you are.
I suppose air travel is safe statistically,but I would wager that fewer players are going to consider the KHL after this tragedy for a long time to come.
Considering the reported problems with the aircraft in Russia right now,I would say that is a safe bet.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to all the families and friends affected by this crash....

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