Probably a ton of posts regarding this on the main boards but I didn't see one here, Ruslan Salei was onboard the airplane that crashed earlier today. As a long time Duck I only see it fitting he gets a post here. Always liked him on our team.
I'll never forget being in the arena when Salei ripped home that OT goal in the Finals against NJ. One of my best sports memories, it's the kind of feeling sports fans live for.
I was able to meet salei a few times many years ago... Only duck nicer to me was steve rucchin and not by much. This news hit hardest when I heard he was involved. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Please keep googling, there are conflicting reports on Salei. He might not have been on the flight.
Second paragraph at the following link: "Currently it has not been confirmed if former Red Wings defenseman Ruslan Salei was on the plane. Salei plays for Lokomotiv, but there are conflicting reports about his whereabouts. Some state that Salei was already at the team's destination, whereas others are saying he was on the plane."
This whole thing is just beyond terrible. Losing a player is bad enough, but an entire team? This has to be one of the worst tragedies in the history of pro sports. RIP Salei and everyone else on that flight.
Please keep googling, there are conflicting reports on Salei. He might not have been on the flight.
Second paragraph at the following link: "Currently it has not been confirmed if former Red Wings defenseman Ruslan Salei was on the plane. Salei plays for Lokomotiv, but there are conflicting reports about his whereabouts. Some state that Salei was already at the team's destination, whereas others are saying he was on the plane."
Latvia is still in huge pain right now, by loosing one of it`s heroes. We don`t have much of good players, but he was one of them still in playing age with pregnant wife and 2 daughters.
Not so long ago we lost Zholtok, now Skrastins, everyone`s in shock. Can`t find a lot of other information than the airplane-crush in Latvian media today. Every single portal headline is with the same text.
In Belorussia it can`t be much different, Rusty is probably their best player in their history.
I wanted Selanne to be the first to be hung from the rafters, but if #24 has a memorial banner go up first I wouldn't complain. I actually teared up a little typing that. We'll miss ya Rusty.
