RIP Ruslan Salei (1974-2011)

[Professor John Frink]

I have really high standards on retiring numbers. I don't want Kariya's or Niedermayer's retired. Mayybe Jiggy. Selanne is the only one for sure.

So I'm not a fan of retiring Rusty's number. Didn't Burke start some kind of wall of honor or something? For players who did a lot? I think Hebert was on it? That would be perfect for Rusty.

I'm with you. Why not raise some sort of tribute banner even in honor of him. Someone said it earlier but no matter if it is retired or not I doubt anyone wears it for some time.

 

[The Mighty Duck Man]

I have really high standards on retiring numbers. I don't want Kariya's or Niedermayer's retired. Mayybe Jiggy. Selanne is the only one for sure.

So I'm not a fan of retiring Rusty's number. Didn't Burke start some kind of wall of honor or something? For players who did a lot? I think Hebert was on it? That would be perfect for Rusty.

It was started pre-Burke I believe, and yes he'd be perfect, even before the accident. Factoring in longevity and impact, probably the #3 all-time defenseman, and leader in games played by a defenseman.

But, no, shouldn't be retired. He hasn't played with us in 5 years, to a point where some fans likely barely remember him. Wall of Honor is perfect, and I wouldn't be opposed to keeping 24 off of anyone for at least next season, along with a patch(like many of the ones we've seen here) to be worn season-long.

 

[SirQuacksALot]

Just watched the memorial. I'd recommend that anyone who wants to watch it not do so unless they want to be sad. Even in Russian, you will be moved.

 

[Unholy]

I'm with you. Why not raise some sort of tribute banner even in honor of him. Someone said it earlier but no matter if it is retired or not I doubt anyone wears it for some time.

I wouldn't be mad either way about his jersey being retired, but I do like the idea of a tribute banner. Would have to go to that game for sure.

 

[kducks]

Just watched the memorial. I'd recommend that anyone who wants to watch it not do so unless they want to be sad. Even in Russian, you will be moved.

Never understood a word they said but cried like a baby. It was a very touching ceremony.

 

[mightyquack]

We can honor the #24 like the Leafs do with their numbers?

At the end of the day I wouldn't mind seeing it retired but I think Selanne's number should be the one retired as the first in franchise history.

 

[Mr Rogers]

Photo from Salei's funeral with Mighty Ducks jersey over the casket. This is so awful, still can't believe this happened.

 

[alx83*]

Photo from Salei's funeral with Mighty Ducks jersey over the casket. This is so awful, still can't believe this happened.

That brings back some great memories.

 

[Fighter]

Watching that jersey over his coffin makes me

Rusty a Duck forever!

 

[snarktacular]

Random stupid question, but I wonder where they get a Salei Ducks jersey? Are there really extras lying around, or do they rush make a replica?

Salei was one of my favorites from that era. Still sad that he's gone.

Best Belorussian NHLer ever?

 

[kducks]

I'm thinking his family had to have at least one right? Or his wife brought one? I would assume Rusty still had a jersey.

 

[mightyquack]

Players can keep jerseys can't they?

 

[Paul4587]

Best Belorussian NHLer ever?

Easily at the moment due to longevity. He was a solid second pairing guy (who often played first pairing minutes due to the team he was on) pretty much his whole career.

Grabovski might surpass him if he can keep putting up seasons like he did last year though.

 

[kducks]

Stopped by the Ponda after lunch in the area. The memorial has grown, kudos to the Ducks for keeping it up even with events held there recently.

 

[SirQuacksALot]

Does anyone else think it would be cool to get a "Rusty" chan't going at the home opener? I think it would be especially apt if he was honored in some way.

 

[Kalv]

Does anyone else think it would be cool to get a "Rusty" chan't going at the home opener? I think it would be especially apt if he was honored in some way.

It`s a good idea imo.

 

[Unholy]

Does anyone else think it would be cool to get a "Rusty" chan't going at the home opener? I think it would be especially apt if he was honored in some way.

Well I'm wondering if they are going to do anything at the opener for him. If they are then for sure there will be a Rusty chant.

 

[Corey Perry*]

Hard to believe what happened... RIP

 

[kducks]

They had a touching tribute before the first pre-season game to all those lost but I'm hoping they do something more for Rusty. Sad to see they took down the memorial at the Wild Wing statue.

 

[Selanne138]

http://zdfromthenosebleeds.blogspot.com/2011/09/remembering-ruslan-salei.html

Just started a Blog and my second post was a tribute to Ruslan. RIP Rusty.

Also sorry if this is spam, I figured this would be appropriate though.

 

[kducks]

Bracelets Sold to Raise Funds for Families Affected by Lokomotiv Tragedy

Friday, 09.23.2011 / 4:11 PM / News

On Tuesday, September 20th, the Ducks opened the preseason with a tribute to former and current NHL players who were lost in the off-season, including the members of the Lokomotiv Yarsolavl hockey team that died in a tragic plane crash on September 7 in Russia. Ducks players and fans paid respect with a moment of silence, led by the Salei family and the Anaheim Lady Ducks, the wives and significant others of Ducks players, coaches, executive staff and broadcasters.

To support the Lokomotiv families, wives throughout the NHL have united in an effort to raise funds in honor of those lost.

Kodette LaBarbera, wife of Coyotes goaltender Jason LaBarbera, and Katerina Jokinen, wife of Calgary Flames center Olli Jokinen, are leading a fundraising effort to help the families of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team. LaBarbera and Jokinen have designed bracelets, with the proceeds going to the families of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team.

Fans can purchase bracelets at www.LoveforLokomotiv.com. The cost for bracelets is $25 for kids’ beaded bracelets, $50 for adult beaded bracelets and $10 for silicon bracelets

http://ducks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=589555

 

[Unholy]

Just ordered the $50 and $10 ones

 

[Unholy]

Got my bracelets today. Also got a note from Mrs. LaBarbera and she threw in an extra silicone one in for me

 

[kducks]

Very cool. So glad the Ducks decided to put a patch on their jerseys this year.

 

[Papaspud]

Rustys' son drops ceremonial puck for Lokomotiv's first game.