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If you're coming out to the Dallas Stars game versus the Calgary Flames tomorrow, you might want to bring some tissues. The Stars have announced they will have a pre-game ceremony to honor and celebrate the life of former defenseman Karlis Skrastins, who passed away this past September in the Lokomotiv plane crash in Russia.
There was a video tribute for him at the Stars' first preseason game in September (video here), but this time his family will be present, including newborn daughter Vivian.
The ceremony will feature a "moment of applause" that's sure to make the air in the American Airlines Center very dusty and oniony.
From the official release, "The Stars have set up a trust fund for the three Skrastins girls, of which the Dallas Stars players have committed to pool together a significant donation. Stars owner Tom Gaglardi has offered to personally match the players' final amount."
Fans can purchase "Love for Lokomotiv" bracelets tomorrow and the proceeds will go to help the families of the crash.
Full release after the jump.
The official release from the Stars:
Frisco, TX -- The Dallas Stars will honor former defenseman Karlis Skrastins in a pre-game ceremony on Saturday, March 24, prior to the game between the Flames and Stars. Skrastins passed away when the plane carrying his KHL team (Lokomotiv) crashed last September in Russia. He played two seasons for the Dallas Stars (2009-11) among 11 total NHL campaigns.
Skrastins' wife Zane and their three daughters (Karolina, Laurena and Vivian) will be at the pre-game ceremony which will include a puck drop at center ice. Youngest daughter Vivian was born about a month ago. The Skrastins learned about the pregnancy right before Karlis left for the KHL season in Russia.
The pre-game ceremony will include a "moment of applause" in recognition of the great man, friend, son, husband, father and teammate that Karlis Skrastins was.
The Stars have set up a trust fund for the three Skrastins girls, of which the Dallas Stars players have committed to pool together a significant donation. Stars owner Tom Gaglardi has offered to personally match the players' final amount.
The Dallas Stars Foundation will host a silent auction during Saturday's game to exclusively raise funds for the Skrastins girls trust fund. The item to be auctioned is a unique framed set, which includes a Karlis Skrastins autographed jersey, an autographed puck and an autographed picture. The silent auction will take place at the Dallas Stars Foundation table, located at section 101/102 on the main plaza concourse of American Airlines Center. Bidding closes at the end of the second period on Saturday.
"Love for Lokomotiv" bracelets will also be available for sale (at the table and at the Team Store), of which proceeds go towards the families lost in the plane crash.