ST. LOUIS – Blues President John Davidson has issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Blues players Pavol Demitra and Igor Korolev.

“On behalf of the St. Louis Blues, we are deeply saddened by the tragedy that took place today in Russia involving the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey club. The entire hockey community has been affected by this news and our most heart-felt condolences go out to the families of those who perished.”

“The St. Louis Blues have lost two members of our family, Pavol Demitra and Igor Korolev, and our thoughts and prayers are with their families as well. Pavol and Igor were both incredibly passionate and dedicated players and their influence in St. Louis was not only felt on the ice, but throughout the community.”

Pavol Demitra was acquired by the Blues in 1996 and spent eight seasons in St. Louis (1996-2004).

Igor Korolev was drafted by the Blues in the second round of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft and spent two seasons in St. Louis (1992-1994).

Former Blues forward Keith Tkachuk, who played with Demitra and Brad McCrimmon, who also died in the crash, said, "I am beyond devastated by the tragic news involving my good friends Brad and Pavol and the rest of their teammates in Russia. Brad was my teammate in Phoenix and later coached me in Atlanta and was truly a wonderful man who will be greatly missed. Pav was like a brother to me and I cannot believe that he is no longer with us.

"This is a terrible day for the hockey fraternity. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time.”

Season	Team	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PP	SH	GW	S	S%
1996-1997	Blues	8	3	0	3	0	2	2	0	1	15	20.0
1997-1998	Blues	61	22	30	52	11	22	4	4	6	147	15.0
1998-1999	Blues	82	37	52	89	13	16	14	0	10	259	14.3
1999-2000	Blues	71	28	47	75	34	8	8	0	4	241	11.6
2000-2001	Blues	44	20	25	45	27	16	5	0	5	124	16.1
2001-2002	Blues	82	35	43	78	13	46	11	0	10	212	16.5
2002-2003	Blues	78	36	57	93	0	32	11	0	4	205	17.6
2003-2004	Blues	68	23	35	58	1	18	8	0	5	179	12.8

Season	Team	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PP	SH	GW	S	S%
1992-1993	Blues	74	4	23	27	-1	20	2	0	0	76	5.3
1993-1994	Blues	73	6	10	16	-12	40	0	0	1	93	6.5
	NHL Totals	795	119	227	346	-29	330	28	7	21	983	12.1