Remembering Former LA Kings Forward Pavol Demitra

On this, the 13th anniversary of the Lokomotiv tragedy, we take a moment to remember former LA Kings forward Pavol Demitra.

September 7 is a day that will resonate with hockey fans, especially those of the LA Kings.

On this date in 2011, a Yak-42 aircraft carrying the KHL’s Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team crashed. The tragedy claimed the lives of 44 victims. Among those victims was former LA Kings forward Pavol Demitra.

During this time of somber reflection, which includes the recent deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, we remember this tragedy. And while he was emotional from the tragedy overall, this writer was especially shaken by Demitra’s loss – a player he quickly grew to admire.

Smaller in stature, Demitra possessed the creativity and finesse to compete. Demitra had what it took to make it at the NHL level, and he did. But while he spent the majority of his 16-year career with the St. Louis Blues, the native of Dubnica, Slovakia, did play one season with the Kings. Yet, while his 62 points in 58 games was noteworthy in itself, it was the man off the ice that the Kings came to know well.

“Pavol was just a good, warm soul,” said Michael Altieri, the Kings’ Senior Vice President of Communications and Broadcasting. “Kind, thoughtful, and respectful to everyone.”

While Demitra was still playing for the Blues, this writer, who regularly wore a necklace like the star’s, shaved his head for the very first – and only – time. When I first saw the look, I proudly quipped, “I look like Pavol Demitra now.”

Being a fan, I cannot even pretend to miss Mr. Demitra like his family and his friends do. I cannot pretend to miss any of the 44 victims that way. Demitra nonetheless left a magnificent impact on this writer and countless fans for his stellar, but underrated, play.

On this September 7 and every other, let us reflect and celebrate. Let us reflect and celebrate the lives and careers of Pavol Demitra and the other victims who were taken on that infamous date.

This is for you, Mr. Demitra. We miss you.