September 7th is a day the hockey community will never forget. One year ago today, the Kontinental Hockey League was ready to get the 2011-2012 season underway. That quickly became overshadowed by the worst tragedy in sports history.
On September 7, 2011 a plane carrying Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, team personnel, and crew members crashed shortly after takeoff. Forty-four lives were lost as a result. On board were former NHLers, including coaches Brad McCrimmon and Alexander Karpotsev and players Pavol Demitra, Ruslan Salei, Josef Vasicek, Karel Rachunek, Alesander Vasyunov, Igor Korolev, and Karlis Skrastins.
The incident provoked many tributes to honor the team. Dinamo Minsk, the team Lokomotiv was scheduled to play, came on to the ice in full uniform and held a heartbreaking farewell ceremony. As tears shed down the faces of many, we came together as one to support all who were affected by the tragedy. We were reminded that we are a family.
One year later, the thought still stings as we grieve the loss of these great fathers, sons, siblings, and athletes. The KHL will never play a game on this day out of respect for the fallen.
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl has overcome this catastrophe and rebuilt the team. Many recognizable names are now on the roster such as Victor Kozlov, Sami Lepisto, Staffan Krwonwall, and Curtis Sanford. The team is lead by former Carolina Hurricanes assistant coach, Tom Rowe. Rowe told NHL.com:
I look at this as an opportunity to continue Brad’s great work. All the people here absolutely loved him. I want to make him proud. Everybody here is focused to make sure we have a great season to celebrate what that team started last year.
As we remember the lives that were lost we also wish the best of luck to the team moving forward. They will always be in our hearts.
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, gone but never forgotten.
Hockey City 
Reblogged this on That's Caps Hockey and commented:
My HPL piece on Lokomotiv