Sept. 9, 2011
SHARKS PAGESHARKS VIDEOJames O'Brien
ProHockeyTalk.com
The Kontinental Hockey League faced an unenviable question upon learning about the horrific news of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl crash: how would they try to move on? Many rightfully wonder about the fate of a team that was decimated by a terrible tragedy.
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KHL games have been postponed until Monday, September 12, according to the leagues Web site. The league will also rebuild the Lokomotiv team by asking its 23 other clubs to make as many as three of their players available in what sounds similar to an expansion draft. The report indicates that the franchise will have about 40-45 players to choose from.
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Reports indicate that Lokomotiv will also call up some players from its junior team to its top club. NHL.com passes along word that Pyotr Vorobyov will be their new head coach. Vorobyov served as the junior teams coach but also helped the team win a Russian Superleague championship in 1997, according to NHL.com.
KHL president Alexander Medvedev spoke about rebuilding Lokomotiv.
News
The 18 KHL clubs whose representatives I have managed to speak with have supported this proposal, Medvedev said in remarks to Atlant Mytischi hockey clubs press service, according to an Associated Press report.
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The KHL has 24 clubs spread throughout Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Latvia and Slovakia.
NHL.com reports that a memorial service will be held for the crashs victims at Yaroslavl arena on Saturday. Fans gathered at that location for a candle light vigil on Wednesday.
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