Pavol Demitra Among Those Killed In Russian Plane Crash [VIDEO]

Former Minnesota Wild Center Pavol Demitra is among those killed in a plane crash in Russia. 

I heard the news today. Oh boy.

The plane went down shortly after takeoff from the Central Russia city of Yaroslavl shortly after noon Moscow time, 3am Central time. Demitra was among several players with NHL ties that were aboard the Yakovlev Yak-42 passenger jet. They were all heading to Minsk for the KHL season opener.

Also killed are former Detroit Red Wings Assistant Coach Brad McCrimmon, Karel Rachunek and Alexander Vasyunov of the New Jersey Devils, Karlis Skrastins of the Dallas Stars, Josef Vasicek of the New York Islanders as well as former NHLers Igor Korolev and Alexander Karpovtsev. A few prospects and members of their youth team were rumored to be on board.

Sadly, this is the second former Wild player to die this year. Enforcer Derek Boogaard died back in May.

Here is a video of Pavol scoring from the faceoff in game two of the 2008 playoffs.