43 Killed, 1 Injured In Russian Hockey Team Plane Crash

It's being reported by The Associated Press that a Russian jet said to be carrying a KHL (Kontinental Hockey League) hockey team crashed Wednesday near the city of Yaroslavl killing 43 people.

The Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team is coached by Canadian Brad McCrimmon (who recently served as an assistant coach for the Detroit Red Wings) and includes several international stars. It is not known if they were on the plane.

It is being reported that some of those who were killed in the crash had formerly played in the NHL for teams like the St. Louis Blues.

The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry said the plane was carrying the Lokomotiv ice hockey team from Yaroslavl to Minsk where it was to play a game.

The plane fell to earth straight after take-off and burst into flames. Weather did not appear to be a factor.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has sent his transport minister to the site of the crash.

[Detroit News]