21.   When the Soviet Union began to disintegrate, one of the first teams to import Russian hockey players in a significant way was the Devils.

22.   A former Russian hockey executive who had feuded with him was arrested in connection with the killing.

23.   Another blow to the team was the assassination of Valentin Sych, the head of the Russian hockey federation.

24.   Before opening play, the teams paid tribute to legendary Russian hockey coach Igor Dmitriyev, who passed away early Sunday after a long illness.

25.   But he said Russian hockey development has stagnated as the Soviet Union collapsed.

26.   Detroit Red Wings center Sergei Fedorov will play for the Russian hockey team in the Olympics if he is healthy.

27.   Detroit Red Wings center Sergei Fedorov will play for the Russian hockey team in the Olympics, coach and general manager Slava Fetisov said Thursday.

28.   Guschhin and other Russian hockey officials claim the agreement is unfair and want it revised.

29.   He won a silver medal with the Russian Olympic hockey team in Nagano last month.

30.   In addition, the National Hockey League suspended its lucrative payments to Russian hockey for the players it drafts.