Two former players from the St. Louis Blues hockey team, Pavol Demitra and Igor Korolev, tragically died in a plane crash on September 7, 2011. The Russian passenger jet was carrying members of the Russian professional hockey team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl when it crashed shortly after takeoff.
Demitra played for the Blues from 1996 to 2004 and was known for his high level of skill and sportsmanship. His agent, Matt Keator, confirmed his death. Igor Korolev, another former Blues player, also died in the crash. He was drafted by the Blues in 1992 and played with the team for two seasons before continuing his career in Russia, where he had been a coach for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.
The jet was en route to Belarus for the start of a new professional Russian league when it crashed at 4:00 p.m. Moscow time. The cause of the crash was unclear at the time, but reports indicated that the plane failed to gain enough altitude after takeoff and crashed into a radar, bursting into flames.
St. Louis Blues team president John Davidson expressed his condolences, saying that the entire hockey community was deeply saddened by the loss of Demitra and Korolev, emphasizing their impact both on and off the ice. Retired Blues forward Keith Tkachuk, who played with Demitra, stated he was “beyond devastated” and described Demitra as a “brother.”
Both Demitra and Korolev had successful careers in the NHL. Demitra represented Slovakia in three Olympics, played for multiple NHL teams, and won several accolades, including the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship. Korolev, on the other hand, started his NHL career with the Blues before playing for other teams like the Winnipeg Jets/Phoenix Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Chicago Blackhawks.
The St. Louis Blues and the wider hockey community were mourning the loss of these talented players, reflecting on their careers and the friendships they had built during their time in the NHL.
