Former Flyers defenseman McCrimmon dies in Russian plane crash

by Bob Herpen
Phanatic Hockey Editor

Former Philadelphia Flyers defenseman and long-time NHL blueliner Brad McCrimmon died in a plane crash in Western Russia on Wednesday morning.

The plane, carrying members of the Yaroslavl Lokomotiv club of the Kontinental Hockey League on its way for a game in Minsk, Belarus, crashed just after takeoff, killing all passengers. Only one crew member survived the ordeal, while one player who survived the crash reportedly died in hospital of his wounds.

McCrimmon had signed on as the club's head coach in May following a successful three-year run as an assistant with the Detroit Red Wings.

The 52-year-old McCrimmon enjoyed a five-year stint in Philadelphia from 1982-87. In the latter three seasons, he formed a potent defensive combination with Hall of Famer Mark Howe. Nicknamed "The Beast" by legendary broadcaster Gene Hart, the Saskatchewan native recorded 35 goals an 187 points in 367 regular-season games, adding seven goals and 13 points over 46 playoff appearances. His plus-minus was a staggering +223, including a +83 in 1985-86.

“I’m personally saddened to hear of the tragic death of one of our former players, Brad McCrimmon, and his team. Brad was one of the toughest defensemen to ever wear the orange and black,' said Flyers chairman Ed Snider in a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon. "He gained the nickname ‘The Beast’ for his tenacity on the blue line and his ability to shut down our opponents. Off the ice, Brad was a true gentleman. He was a kind, caring and wonderful human being. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, as well as the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy.”

McCrimmon played 18 seasons in the NHL from 1979-97 with Boston, Philly, Calgary, Detroit, Hartford and Phoenix, winning a Stanley Cup in 1989 with the Flames. He finished with 81 goals and 403 points during 1,222 games.

Among the former NHL players who perished when the plane struck the Volga River in the village of Tunoshina were Pavol Demitra, Josef Vasicek, Karol Rachunek, Ruslan Salei and Karlis Skrastins. In addition, former NHL players Alexander Karpovtsev and Igor Korolev -- McCrimmon's
assistants --also died in the wreck.

McCrimmon is the fourth player from the Mike Keenan era to pass away tragically. Pelle Lindbergh suffered fatal injuries in a one-car crash on November 10, 1985, Miroslav "Cookie" Dvorak died in 2008 at age 56 from throat cancer, and Peter Zezel was taken thanks to a rare blood disorder in May of 2009 at age 44.

The crash marks the first time in professional sports history that an entire team has been wiped out due to an accident.

"Though it occurred thousands of miles away from our home arenas, this tragedy represents a catastrophic loss to the hockey world -- including the NHL family, which lost so many fathers, sons, teammates and friends who at one time excelled in our League," said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement released shortly after reports were confirmed. "Our deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of all who perished."

The KHL is now regarded as the top professional league in Europe, and planned to take 23 teams across what used to be the domain of the former Soviet Union and one from Slovakia into the 2011-12 season.