Russian hockey league to delay start of season after jet crash

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Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League postponed the start of its season until Monday in the wake of the tragic plane crash that killed all but one member of the Yaroslavl Lokomotiv team as it traveled to Minsk for its scheduled season opener.

Forty-three people died in the crash Wednesday, including players -- many of them former NHL standouts -- team staff and flight crew members. Only one player, forward Alexander Galimov, and one crew member, Alexander Sizov, were reported to have survived. Former Kings forward Pavol Demitra and former Ducks defenseman Ruslan Salei were among the victims.

A comprehensive report from the International Ice Hockey Federation touches on various aspects of the tragedy, including Lokomotiv’s appointment of a new coach. Players from throughout the league have apparently volunteered to play for the re-formed Lokomotiv team this season, a classy gesture on the players’ part.

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-- Helene Elliott