Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited the crash scene and promised a full investigation into the accident, the causes of which are not yet known.

President Medvedev has promised to overhaul the industry and take out of service ageing jets from the Soviet era.

Thousands of fans gathered in Yaroslavl to pay their respects, many dressed in team colours with scarves and flags.

Some 36 players and officials died in the crash, along with seven crew.

The dead included the team's Canadian coach, Brad McCrimmon, and Swedish Olympic champion goalie Stefan Liv. One player and one crew member escaped with severe injuries.

The country has a poor aviation safety record. In July this year a passenger plane crashed in northern Russia and 44 people died.