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Today in Hockey History: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Crash Kills 43

Hockey is finally back, but we at Last Word on Hockey are still going to look back at each date’s historical significance to the game. We’ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here’s our look at this date in hockey history for September 7th, featuring the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl crash.

Today in Hockey History

Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Crash Kills Former NHLers

2011: Most of the contingent of the Russian-based KHL team dies after takeoff. The crash killed 43 of the 45 on the plane with another dying later. Former NHL player and assistant coach Brad McCrimmon is one of the many killed.

Assistant coaches and former NHLers Alexander Karpovtsev and Igor Korolev are also killed. Longtime players Pavol Demitra, Ruslan Salei, Karlis Skrastins, and Josef Vasicek are also among the dead. The club suspends its 2011-12 KHL season as well.

Other Notable Events

1945: Jacques Lemaire is born in born in LaSalle, Quebec. He wins a total of 11 Stanley Cups as a player, coach and executive. Lemaire is a forward who wins eight titles between 1968 and 1979 for the Montreal Canadiens. He scores 366 goals and 835 points in 853 games with the Habs. Lemaire adds two more Cups in 1986 and 1993 as an executive. His final championship comes when he leads the New Jersey Devils to the 1995 Stanley Cup. He finishes with a record of 617-458-63 with 124 ties in 1,262 games with Montreal, New Jersey and the Minnesota Wild.

NHL President Red Dutton made the rules in pro and amateur hockey the same at all levels. The rules in the NHL are the same for every North American league after that proclamation.

1962: The New York Rangers hire Muzz Patrick as their head coach for a second stint. Patrick replaces Hall of Fame defenceman Doug Harvey behind the bench. He resigned after 34 games in charge of the Blueshirts.

1988: Tony Esposito, Guy Lafleur, and Brad Park highlight this year’s Hall of Fame Class. Buddy O’Connor enters in the veteran’s category and Ed Snider is elected via the builder’s section. George Hayes is inducted in the official’s category.

1989: The Chicago Blackhawks sign free agent forward Mike Peluso out of Alaska-Anchorage in the NCAA. Peluso, Bobby Holik and Randy McKay help New Jersey lock down opposing offences en route to a championship.