Blues With Creve Coeur Ties Mourn Those Lost In Russian Plane Crash

The pro hockey world in St. Louis suffered a punch to the gut on Wednesday, when word spread that Pavol Demitra, a former member of the St. Louis Blues, was among the 43 people killed when a plane carrying a Kontinental Hockey League squad crashed shortly after takeoff Wednesday in Russia.

Another Blues alum, Igor Korolev, was also on board the flight.

For Creve Coeur resident Keith Tkachuk, the news was more personal.

Demitra, 36, was one of Tkachuk's close friends when the two played together here in St. Louis, and both benefitted from having one another as teammates. Tkachuk was also a teammate of Lokomotiv head coach Brad McCrimmon.

"I am beyond devastated by the tragic news involving my good friends Brad and Pavol and the rest of their teammates in Russia," Tkachuk said in a statement released by the Blues.

Demitra had a distinguished career in the NHL playing for the Blues, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks. He was originally drafted by the Ottawa Senators and traded to the Blues.

"On behalf of the St. Louis Blues, we are deeply saddened by the tragedy that took place today in Russia involving the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey club," Blues President John Davidson said in a statement. "The entire hockey community has been affected by this news and our most heart-felt condolences go out to the families of those who perished.

"The St. Louis Blues have lost two members of our family, Pavol Demitra and Igor Korolev, and our thoughts and prayers are with their families as well. Pavol and Igor were both incredibly passionate and dedicated players and their influence in St. Louis was not only felt on the ice, but throughout the community."

Ben Bishop never crossed paths with Demitra here but the former goalie now vying for a backup role with his hometown club offered condolences on his Twitter account (@Benbishop30): "My thoughts and prayers go out to all the friends & families who lost love ones in the plane crash in Russia....Sad day in the hockey world."

Demitra, who scored 304 goals and 768 points in the NHL, which included 204 goals and 493 points in 494 games with the Blues from 1997-2004, won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy with the Blues in 2000. It's given to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.

"... Pav was like a brother to me and I cannot believe that he is no longer with us," Tkachuk said. "This is a terrible day for the hockey fraternity. My family's thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time."

Added Mellanby, "(Demitra) was a great guy, fun guy to be around. It was a great experience playing with him. But for me, the hockey side of it is one thing. We'll always have our memories with the guys, but the families, our thoughts are with them."

Demitra leaves behind wife Maja and children Lucas and Zara.

Korolev was drafted by the Blues in the second round of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft and spent two seasons (1992-94) in St. Louis.