“It’s so sad. I just heard the news this morning and I was just in shock,” said Stars defenseman Stephane Robidas. “I got nothing but good things to say about Karlis. I knew the head coach there, too, Brad McCrimmon, who was (an assistant coach) with Detroit, so it’s been a tough summer for the NHL. I don’t know what to say. It’s one of those things that you don’t wish to happen to anybody. It’s just a sad day for us.” “It’s difficult. I think a lot of these guys are devastated,” Nieuwendyk said. “I think Kari Lehtonen came in this morning, heard the news and turned around and went right out of here, home. I think he was close with Karlis and everybody respected the way Karlis played for us and gave his all every night and never complained. He had a big effect on all his teammates.” Skrastins, a gritty defensive defenseman from Latvia who led the Stars with 139 blocked shots last season in 74 games, was remembered as a great teammate and a giant-hearted, soft-spoken good guy. “Karlis was just one of those guys, a nice team guy who would do anything for the team,” Robidas said. “I’ve never seen anybody block shots like that, just played through pain and never complained about his ice time or anything like that. He just worked hard, just a nice person, a nice family man and I had a lot of fun with him. I have nothing but good things to say about this guy.” “Just a kind, kind man,” said Stars forward Adam Burish, describing Skrastins. “Quiet. Always said hi in the morning, always said bye when he left the rink to everyone, just a kind, gentle guy and a freak on the ice - just the ultimate competitor, played through anything, tough, but just a kind guy.” Of course, one of the worst aspects of the devastating news is thinking about the family members who are left behind to grieve. In Skrastins’ case, it means his wife Zane and two daughters, plus perhaps another, have suffered a monumental loss. “It’s just too bad, leaving his wife and kids behind like this,” said Robidas shaking his head. “I think his wife was pregnant, too, so it’s pretty sad.” “Our thoughts and prayers are with Karlis’ wife Zane and his two daughters, Karolina and Laurena, as well as all of the families and friends who lost loved ones on the plane,” Nieuwendyk said. “Karlis was a wonderful father and husband, as well as a good friend. He will be greatly missed.”
Žēl arī man par mūsu dzelzsvīru un visu lokomatives komandu :( R.I.P
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrBKQR0gEZY&feature=player_embedded
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