A plane crash in Russia earlier this week claimed the lives of members of the Lokomotiv hockey team, which included former Carolina Hurricanes player Josef Vasicek, who was a member of the 2006 Stanley Cup Champions.

The coach of Lokomotiv, Brad McCrimmon, who played for the Hartford Whalers, also perished in the crash.

Jim Rutherford, president and general manager of the Hurricanes, issued this statement:.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of today’s tragedy in Russia. Josef was an key part of the Hurricanes for six years, helping us achieve some of our greatest successes. More importantly, he was a great teammate on and off the ice, and was respected as a person as well as a player. Brad McCrimmon was a member of our team while we were still in Hartford, and was well-liked by all who came in contact with him. His presence in the hockey community will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go to the Vasicek and McCrimmon families, and the loved ones of all of today’s victims.”

Vasicek, 30, was about to begin his fourth season with Lokomotiv. In 341 games with the Hurricanes, he had 57 goals, 78 assists for 135 points. Vasicek skated in 37 Stanley Cup playoff games with Carolina, earning five goals and two assists for 7 points.