Devils prospect Alexander Vasyunov, a 21-year-old left winger who played 18 games for the NHL team last season, was killed when a plane carrying the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey team crashed early today in Tunoshna, Russia.

Former NHL defenseman Karel Rachunek, 32, who played 47 games for the Devils in 2007-08, also died in the tragedy.

"It's a tragedy you can't even express. There are no words or way to try to express my feelings," Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said.

At least 43 people were killed in the crash. The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry told the Associated Press the Yak-42 airplane crashed into a river bank on the Volga River immediately after takeoff from Yaroslavl, which is 150 miles northeast of Moscow.

Vasyunov signed a one-year contract to play for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl this season. The 6-1, 205-pound native of Yaroslavl was the Devils' second pick (58th overall) in the 2006 NHL entry draft.

Vasyunov was represented by New Jersey-based agent Mark Gandler, who said he was attempting to help the families of the players lost.

More coverage:

• Devils' Patrik Elias lost close friend Karel Rachunek in plane crash

• Jet carrying Russian hockey team crashes, killing over 40 passengers

"I had a long conversation with (Vasyunov) and his representative. He wanted to go over to play a lot and then come back here," Lamoriello said. "He was so proud to be a Devil."

Vasyunov scored five points (one goal, four assists) in his first 18 NHL games last season.

There were survivors, according the various reports. The team was flying to Minsk in Belarus for its KHL season opener, which was scheduled for Thursday. There were 45 people on board, including37 passengers and eight crew members.

Among those lost on the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl were Pavol Demitra, Ruslan Salei, Josef Vasicek and Karlis Skrastins. Former NHLer Brad McCrimmon was to begin his first season as the team's head coach and Igor Korlov was an assistant coach.

Russian player Alexander Galimov survived the crash.

"This is the darkest day in the history of our sport," said IIHF president Rene Fasel. "This is not only a Russian tragedy. The Lokomotiv roster includes players and coaches from 10 nations. This is a terrible tragedy for the global ice hockey community."

In a statement issued by the Devils, Lamoriello said: "Nothing could prepare the hockey community for the devastating news it received today. The tragic plane crash involving Lokomotiv Yaroslav of the Kontinental Hockey League has left all of us beyond words.

"I had the pleasure of knowing several members of the team, plus the entire coaching staff. In particular, Alexander Vasyunov, who played for us last season, was an outstanding young man and a gifted athlete. Captain Karel Rachunek skated for us in 2007-08. Both were members of the Devils family.

"On behalf of the entire Devils organization, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the entire Lokomotiv club."

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman issued a statement:

"Though it occurred thousands of miles away from our home arenas, this tragedy represents a catastrophic loss to the hockey world — including the NHL family, which lost so many fathers, sons, teammates and friends who at one time excelled in our league. Our deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of all who perished."

The plane that crashed was built in 1993. Short and medium-range Yak-42 planes have been used since 1980 and approximately 100 are being used by Russian carriers.

KHL president Alexander Medvedev had previously announced that all Soviet-built planes would be taken out of service starting next year.

For more Devils coverage, follow Rich Chere on Twitter at twitter.com/Ledger_NJDevils

Rich Chere: rchere@starledger.com