GRAND RAPIDS, MIch. - Grand Rapids Griffins president and CEO Dan DeVos issued the following statement regarding Wednesday's tragedy in Russia:

"The entire Grand Rapids Griffins organization is deeply saddened today by the horrible plane crash in Russia. The loss of three former Griffins, two former Red Wings, their Yaroslavl Lokomotiv teammates and the other victims is unspeakably painful.

"Pavol Demitra, Karel Rachunek and Stefan Liv were tremendous individuals and great ambassadors during their time with us, while many in the Griffins family also knew Brad McCrimmon and Ruslan Salei well.

"We mourn their passing with the rest of the hockey community, and our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of all the victims of this tragedy."