Yaroslavl plane crash: Fasel: This is the darkest day in the history of our sport

The NHL website published a page with Twitter comments by NHLers.

Vladislav Tretiak, President of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation: "We have suffered a great loss. I still cannot believe what happened. We lost a lot of great hockey players and coaches. It's a great tragedy for our sport. I express my condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to all hockey fans."

Christer Englund, Swedish Ice Hockey Association chairman, commented on the loss of goalie Stefan Liv: "The grief is big and heavy at this moment. With Stefan Liv we lost a fellow human being, and a great hockey player. We grieve and send our thoughts to his friends and relatives.
'I have known Stefan Liv for a few years,' says Tre Kronor coach Pär Mårts, and he came close to him as a person and athlete. One of the things that feel so sad with his passing is that he loved hockey, he was at top of his career and wanted to constantly learn more. He was a fantastic competitor. I think of the fact that he turned down the IHWC this spring because of his children."

Juraj Široký, former Slovakian Federation President: "All of Slovakia, not just the hockey family, is upset by the tragedy that has befallen the Yaroslavl and our country. I  deeply feel sympathy for the survivors of all victims. I knew Pavol Demitra as a man with a big heart for hockey, a fair guy, a player who will be a model for many future generations. The loss of such a great man, great hockey player is irreplaceable. At the moment I feel great sorrow."

Tomáš Král, President of the Czech Ice Hockey Association: "The news was shocking for all of us. Jan Marek, Karel Rachůnek and Josef Vašiček played key roles on the biggest successes of our hockey in recent years, particularly at the World Championships in 2005 and 2010. They were not just great hockey players, but also excellent friends. We never forget them."

Alois Hadamczik, Czech national team coach: "I have no words, because they cannot say anything. I talked with Jan Marek fourteen days ago and he told me that he had a baby. I told him this will be the opportunity to come back home, considering has been out for a long time. Now he won't be home anymore."

Franz Reindl, DEL chairman: "When I heard the news, I unsuccessfully tried to contact Robert Dietrich. We can only express our deepest sympathies."

Also several other federations, leagues and clubs sent messages of condolence.

 

Advanced player search