Earlier reports had suggested that the KHL had made contingent plans for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl to restart their 2011-2012 season after the tragic plane crash that had taken the lives of the entire team and coaching staff. Even with those plans in place, team President Yuri Yakovlev has reiterated the team’s position that the team will not play the 2011-2012 season.
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Will Not Play In 2011-2012 KHL Season Despite Early Reports
“This is our steadfast position,” said Yakovlev. “Our main priority is to help the families of the victims. Building up a new team will come later.”
These comments come as the memorial services for the 25 players and 11 staff members go on at the team’s arena in Yaroslavl. Reports say that between 25,000 and 40,000 people showed to pay their respects for the deceased.
There was a proposed plan to have the other KHL clubs loan players to Lokomotiv and use other free agents that weren’t signed to a contract to fill a roster for the season. Building a team and still being able to deal with a tragedy of this magnitude appears to be something that the club is not interested in doing as they will take time off to recover. It is not known at this time when the club will return.
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