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Tragedy In Russia: Plane Carrying Hockey Team Crashes, Killing At Least 43

There is sad news today out of Russia, as it is being reported via ESPN that a plane carrying the Lokomotiv ice hockey team has crashed in Western Russia.

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At least 43 people are reported to have been killed of the 45 said to be aboard the Yak-42 aircraft.

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The plane was on its way to Minsk, where the Continental Hockey League team was going to play its season-opening game.

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Lokomotiv is coached by Canadian Brad McCrimmon and includes such international stars as Stefan Liv of Sweden and Czech Republic players Josef Vaicek and Jan Marek. The team is a 3-time league champion and finished third last season.

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The league (with the initials KHL in Russian) comprises teams from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Latvia and Slovakia.

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Reportedly, the weather was sunny and clear at the time.

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Our sincerest condolences to all involved. Just a tragic bit of news.

Photographs by spatulated, Triple Tri, and chrischappelear used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.