The hockey world pays its respects

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/09/2011 (5201 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A list of quotes from members of the hockey world as they react to Wednesday’s crash of a plane carrying members of Yaroslavl Lokomotiv, a Russian team based in the Kontinental Hockey League:

— “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.” — NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in a news release

— “You don’t want to think about it because we’re flying almost every other day. That’s a lot of time up in the air. You try not to think about it, but accidents happen. It’s a tragedy for all of the hockey world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families.” — Detroit Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom.

— “It was no secret that he was a winner, came from a winning organization. He played like he coached, work hard, do things right. Great to be around. He was Mr. Nothing Fancy, just get the job done. The Stabilizer. He was a strong personality, he expected things to be done right. He’d bark about how hot it was on the bus, because he wanted the temperature just right.” — Former player Joel Otto on his former teammate Brad McCrimmon.

— “The hockey world mourns yet again. Please God, we can’t take much more. Thoughts and prayers in Russia and to all friends and family.” — New York Rangers forward Brandon Prust via Twitter

— “Another devastating day in hockey world. Tragic news out of KHL. Thoughts and prayers to everyone involved. Don’t know what else to say.” — Detroit Red Wings defenceman Mike Commodore via Twitter

— “I can’t believe I’m writing another one. Thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the KHL plane crash. Too many players gone this year.” — Anaheim Ducks forward Bobby Ryan via Twitter

— “Brad McCrimmon my very first NHL roommate. No one loved hockey more! Love you ‘Beast’ you taught me so much about respect.” — Former NHLer Jeff O’Neill via Twitter. O’Neill played with McCrimmon, Lokomotiv’s head coach, during their days with the Hartford Whalers.

— “I am sickened over the plane crash of the #KHL hockey team.. this has been an awful summer for hockey. #RIP.” — Columbus Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger via Twitter

— “It’s such a sad day. I knew 6 or 7 guys on that team. I was closest to Karel (Rachunek).” — New Jersey Devils forward Patrik Elias, to the Newark Star Ledger.

— “People were drawn to Demo. He was a great friend and great teammate. He was always the type to bring people together. This is just awful. He was such a popular guy with everyone he has ever played with.” — Matt Keator, Pavol Demitra’s agent, to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Demitra was among those killed in the crash.

— “It’s a sad day in the history of hockey. A lot of my friends were on the plane. I just want to give my condolences to the families. It’s a tough time for everybody in the hockey world — not only in Russia, but this should touch everybody in professional sports. There’s nothing really you can say.” — Former New York Islanders captain Alexei Yashin, to NHL.com. Yashin spent the last four seasons in the KHL including two with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv (2007-08, ’08-09)