Minnesota Wild fans remember Pavol Demitra

"We are only beginning to understand the impact of this tragedy affecting the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl club and the international hockey community. First and foremost, our condolences go out to the families and friends of the players, coaches and staff lost in today’s tragedy.

"We know that there are many in the KHL family who will be grieving with us. As the investigation of this tragedy progresses we will work closely with investigators, government officials, club executives and the Yaroslavl community. We are working to find an appropriate way to honor this club and begin the healing process from the deep loss so many of us feel today.

"We are aware that many of you have questions. This tragedy remains our primary focus. We ask for patience as we find an appropriate way to proceed with the 2011/2012 season. We will continue to communicate our plans as they take shape."

They’d always make something awesome happen.

How about his wide angle shoot out move! RIP Demo

The memories I have of Demo will always be tied directly to Gaborik. The two of them on the ice together were as dynamic as they come. The no look passes, the pure electricity of the two of them streaking down the ice together… amazing.

I may not always be kind to these guys about their hockey related lives, but I do understand they are human, and none of it is ever meant in more than a playful manner.

Rest in peace, Pavol.

When these two were healthy, together and firing on all cylinders, the Wild offense was a thing of beauty.

Demo and Gaby seemed to always know where to find each other and create scoring chances. Demo would launch the puck on a lob pass down the rink and Gaborik would be hitting his stride, leaving defenders in his wake, and arrive at the puck with a chance to put it on net. They would bring the crowd to its feet and electrify the rink.

Never before and never since have two players brought so much excitement to the Wild fanbase. That 2007-20088 season was a thing of beauty that ended too soon, much like Demitra’s life.

Was his wide angled shootout move that you always knew was coming

The way he and Gabby flowed together and at times dominated the ice

And the hype that first season when he, Gabby, and Radio started the year as the Slovak Line

The Minnesota Wild organization joins the rest of the hockey world in mourning the tragedy involving the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey club. Pavol Demitra was a valuable member of our team for two seasons and helped the Wild claim its first-ever Northwest Division title in 2008. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Demitra family as well as all of the families that lost loved ones today.

Seriously, what the…

May God rest their souls, and peace be to their families.

I felt sick all day after hearing the news… I’m devastated. Sure, we don’t have much of a connection to the KHL, but good Lord, just think of the impact this has on the hockey world and the victims’ friends and families… It reminded me all too well of the time I lost a friend when he died in a bus crash along with all but two of his high school basketball teammates. I almost fainted when I saw my friend’s name in the list of guys who had died in that crash, and I got a similar chill when I saw this news. R.I.P. Pavo and HK Lokomotiv..

Unfortunately, I don’t really have any memories of Demitra because I’ve only gotten into hockey in the past two years. However, looking at videos of him on youtube, his game sure was a thing of beauty.

when he left for Vancouver, I couldn’t help it, he went to my most hated team. But in the broad scope, I can recall how exhilarated I was when I heard we got him from LA. I knew he was a proven playmaker that was to bring some points to the squad and by all counts he did not disappoint. Sad day indeed.

For an impact player, I think I was more exited about getting Demitra than I was about getting Rolston (not by much) but this is truly unbelievable. Devastating. I wish there were words to ease anyone’s pain out there. What a loss to the KHL and to many family and friends.

Here are a couple of videos I found of him/dedicated to him.

This one is highlights when he was with us and he shows us some of his amazing ability when him and Gaborik were healthy. Man those guys had some wicked plays. Sorry, I could not find a video with better quality.

http://youtu.be/5VEwu2m6S9c

This one is a nicely put together tribute to Demo. I especially like from 4:11 until the end of the video. No joke Slovakia loved this guy.
RIP, another great person leaving too young :(

http://youtu.be/7W3w15qN_HU