The Lokomotiv Yaroslavl ice hockey team are to be re-built days after a fatal plane crash, according to officials.

The Russian team lost 36 members of their squad, as well as eight officials, in the devastating crash on Wednesday.

Despite recent events, the Russian ice hockey league are hoping to recruit new players to Lokomotiv after KHL president Alexander Medvedev announced that every league team should volunteer as much as three players to join the squad.

"They will play in the new KHL season," BBC Sport quotes RHL chief Vyacheslav Fetisov as saying.

"Many of the league's players said right after the tragedy they were ready to support Lokomotiv and play for Yaroslavl in the new season.

"At least 30 players have already expressed their desire to play there. This says a lot about players' solidarity and the tremendous traditions of our hockey."

Players within the Lokomotiv youth squad will also be in contention to play for the team.