In Memoriam: Remembering NHL Stars Through Trading Cards

This off-season for the NHL has been one of the most tragic in history with several prior NHL marquee names moving on to the big rink in the sky. The circumstances surrounding their passing have been very regrettable. The latest to be lost this off-season is Pavol Demitra and at least 42 others in a plane crash in central Russia. The story of the KHL team that perished in this accident is truly tragic.

Here at Upper Deck headquarters we have been really devastated to see so many players we have worked with meet their demise before their time. I was going through some card images of these players and got very nostalgic. It is nice to remember them doing something they loved so dearly. I felt inclined to share as a way of remembering these fallen friends who we will miss so much.

Derek Boogaard

June 23, 1982 – May 13, 2011

Rick Rypien

May 16, 1984 – August 15, 2011

Wade Belak

July 3, 1976 – August 31, 2011

Pavol Demitra

November 29, 1974 – September 7, 2011

Brad McCrimmon

March 29, 1959 – September 7, 2011

Josef Vasicek

September 12, 1980 – September 7, 2011

Karel Rachunek

August 27, 1979 – September 7, 2011

Alexander Vasyunov

April 22, 1988 – September 7, 2011

Although they are now gone, they will never be forgotten as fans around the world keep their memories alive in their collections. Rest in peace dear friends…