Let me begin by telling everyone who reads this that this won't be my typical article. For the most part, LCS hockey takes pride in its physical humor and do-anything comedy antics, and for the most part I agree that its marvelously simplistic cracks and easy to understand, sarcasm-free jokes are great.

But from this point on, this isn't a post for celebrating. In case you haven't heard, Steve Chiasson was killed in a one-vehicle accident on May 3. Steve was a veteran, first-line NHL defenseman, a one-time All-Star, and #3 on the Carolina Hurricanes. The investigation is still going on now, but it's suspected that he had a small amount of alcohol in his system when he crashed at around 4 AM heading home after a gathering at teammate and all-around cool player Gary Roberts' home. Earlier that evening, the Canes were eliminated by the Boston Bruins in Carolina's first ever playoff series with a 2-0 loss at the FleetCenter.

Steve Chiasson

Chiasson's death inspired hockey fans from all over to stop insulting us about our attendance and show sympathy about the loss. Even the most antagonistic of antagonists softened up and gave a kind word or two, offered some prayers for #3, and gave the Hurricane fan base a pat on the back.

We all appreciate this. It's a tough time -- the team breaks the fans' hearts, for the first time for some, for the millionth time for me. Then something like this happens, and it's almost too much.

I haven't done much since then. I've floated through my days, waiting for the evenings when I've watched other teams play. It's not the same. It won't be the same.

My father told me, and remains firm in his belief, that I played most like Chiasson when I used to play hockey. He's right. I was a balanced defenseman who hated practice, hated analysis, hated drills, but did them anyway. Like Steve, I just wanted to play.

Chiasson was the epitome of old school hockey. He worked hard, he'd play as hard as you needed him to, and he played through more injuries than a paraplegic hockey team. He never excelled in any area, except maybe his heavy shot which scored him several goals over his career and established him as a relatively offensive defenseman.

I did my best to forget him, and watching him, but in doing so I ended up remembering more than ever. I turned on my battered Sega Genesis and slapped in my favorite game ever -- NHLPA Hockey 93, the best hockey game ever made. If you've played it, you'd know, if not, mail me and I'll help you out, cause you're missing out. Hartford was my favorite team, but Detroit was the team I played as best. My lineup was simple -- Yzerman, Probert, and Primeau on offense, and Lidstrom and Chiasson on defense. Chiasson was my favorite. He always was and always will be.

Now, don't get me wrong. I loathe the Wings, how they call Detroit "Hockeytown" despite being anything but during their losing years, their bandwagon fans, their ability to buy the Cup and make a mockery of the playoffs and small-market teams.

So I'm not a real big Detroit fan. But something about them in this game always made me like them. It could have been Probert, who was an invincible fighter, but it wasn't. It was Steve Chiasson. It was how he skated on the slow side but whenever I pulled the trigger on his shot, it was a guaranteed goal. It was how he always made the right play, it was how he passed the best. It was just like watching him, and that's not just reminiscing "Damn, he was a fine hockey player" crap.

I mean it when I say he was the ultimate veteran defenseman, and not just in a video game. Didn't need a C on his jersey to get the team motivated, but deserved to wear it. Always nice to the players on whatever team he was on, always gave his best whether it was on the climbing Wings or the sinking Whalers. A picture will always ring out in my mind -- the one of him in the Whalers' locker room, upset over the team's imminent moving. He played on this team for maybe a year or two, but he never gave up and demanded a trade.

He was no Shanahan, no Burke, no Coffey. He never demanded out of what most players deemed a hockey hell. He played some of his best hockey in his prime years on one of the worst franchises ever. And he did it with hustle and talent that most Whalers' defenseman never had.

This year, the Canes broke the Whalers' playoff jinx. Chiasson revealed he was playing hurt for the past two years (but never showed it) and was getting reconstructive shoulder surgery that should end this season, and likely his career. The local news said he wouldn't be back until the playoffs at the earliest, and could have his career ended. But Chiasson sure as hell came back -- and not just for the playoffs. He returned from major surgery for the Islanders' game on March 24th, before even the April date that he set for his return.

His contributions in the playoffs included a goal and two assists. I'll never forget his last goal -- he took a slap shot from the center of the blue line on the power play, firing a rising bullet past goalie Byron Dafoe to give the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead that they would eventually blow in a 4-3 double OT loss.

The team was in a shock after the ceremony honoring Steve. Ray Sheppard was Chiasson's best friend and had obvious trouble holding himself together, difficult to believe for the veteran stone-faced winger. He buried his face in his wife's shoulder as Susan Chiasson, Steve's wife, addressed the players and friends of Steve Chiasson.

Friends described him as having a "zest for life". Former teammate Nelson Emerson flew in for the service, and Stu Grimson sent his respects.

Sheppard, obviously moved, spoke of Chiasson's honesty and integrity. "I'll take that with me for as long as I live," he said. "He'll be in our prayers forever. We should all be grateful for him."

Meanwhile, former Captain (and one of the grittiest, coolest men ever to wear the Whaler/Hurricane uniform) Kevin Dineen talked to Chiasson's children, the most difficult job he's ever taken. He told them about their father's leadership skills and enjoyment of fishing (another trait we share). "Your dad spoke when he felt he had something to offer. He didn't speak just to be heard," Kevin said.

"He had a real satisfaction in knowing that he did everything he could to get back and help his teammates," Kevin told the congregation. He was right.

Chiasson ended his season with such promise -- being an unrestricted free agent who would probably re-sign with the Hurricanes. In the days of players who want the most money from whatever team will give it, Chiasson was worried he couldn't re- sign with his current team because of the shoulder injury that limited him to just 28 regular season games.

Chiasson was a throwback to days past. But at the same time, he helped the Hurricanes build for the future.

For that reason, I wish him well wherever he is, and want him to know he will always be remembered. While number 11 will always grace my jersey, I hope number 3 will ascend to a much higher place -- that of the first jersey ever retired by the Carolina Hurricanes, the first jersey placed in the rafters of the Raleigh Arena, whatever its name may be.

Rest in peace, Steve, you will be remembered. NHLPA Hockey 93 and my memory will ensure that.

HONORING CHIASSON
All fans who wish to express their condolences can sign a book at Brown Wynne, of which there are two in Raleigh (300 St. Mary's Street and 1701 East Millbrook) and one in Cary (South-East Maynard). All cards should be mailed to the Carolina Hurricanes main office in Morrisville at 5000 Aerial Center, Suite 100, Morrisville, NC 27560.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 8, 1999 in Peterborough, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the Steve Chiasson Memorial Fund at Interact, a family violence prevention center, on 612 Wade Avenue (919-828-7501) or the Rex Breast Cancer Center, Rex Foundation, c/o The Steve Chiasson Memorial Fund on 2500 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 316 (919-784-4441).

Also, a member of the AOL hockey message boards is compiling a collection of messages to send the Chiasson family. If you have that service, I recommend heading to the Carolina Hurricanes message boards and place your note there. If you don't have that service, the creator of this compilation can be reached at papyrus26@aol.com.

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