Dearest Lokomotiv,

Words about this unspeakable tragedy have already spread over the internet, and have been written much more eloquently than anyone here at the fan club offices could have written.

Our thoughts go out to the families of the players and the of the crew members onboard. While those of us in North America are feeling the shock over losing familiar names like Demitra, Skrastins, and (my former NHL fantasy hockey go-to) Salei, it's important to remember that every single player on that roster had loved ones who mourn for them.

Our hearts also go out to Yaroslavl, as losing your hockey team this way must leave a hole in your lives not easily filled.

R.I.P

Pain doesn't hurt.

How does one obtain a studly mug such as the one seen above? There's an easy answer. Thanks to Scarlett for pointing this out (scroll down to the bottom of the post). Follow the link on her site to get the whole story.

"...Joni is as delicate as a 19th century lady." Priceless.

Russian Super League Hockey > Essay Assignment on Orange Revolution

While my fantasy hockey teams' stats are all over the playoff map, I'd like to mention that the Lokomotiv's playoff dance is going just fine. I believe they're set to head into round three of the playoffs against the Metallurg Mg after having defeated the CSKA in four games (which is not a sweep in the RSL).

Fine job, boys!

The Relief Sets In

'Tis a fine time to be an Igor Ulanov Fan Club! Though Ulanov has presumably known all along of his whereabouts, his devoted (one post per month - shame!) fan club has recently come across some new news. Thanks to trusty Yaroslavl correspondent Simone for alerting us to the fact that he had been playing on Loko's farm team after the mysterious events. They lost in the second round of the playoffs. Rumour has it that he may even return to the team next season under different coaches. We're still not clear on what led to his disappearance in the first place, but we're hoping that he hasn't been charged with an attitude problem.

Yaroslavl is currently battling CSKA Moscow in the Super League playoffs. The series is tied 1-1, with the next game happening on the 16th. Good Luck!

A Touch of Nostalgia:You-LAN-ov versus Peca

Igor Ulanov has left the building

The robustness of the charming young Ulanov is missing from the dressing room in Yaroslavl. Word on the street is that his performance (though not necessarily PIM) is lacking. Tired of warming the bench? Maybe. But he has left the dressing room, never to be heard from again. The team says he has retired. We're suspicious.

Disappointing performance? Sign on with this year's squad of Timbits Oilers!

(seriously, though. Come back)

I'll be your net.

The current Oilers are in somewhat of a scoring slump, but their former teammate certainly doesn't appear to be. The studly Mr Ulanov scored one for the Lokomotiv in their 4-3 victory over Lada on 1 December.

On 5 December, Lokomotiv lost to Traktor by a score of 6-3, but they won against Metallurg of Magnitogorsk on 7 December. Their next game is against Vityaz on 19 December. Lokomotiv is currently #5 in the standings, according to The Russian Hockey Digest.