Cardiac Cane
Fansided

Revisiting the 1998-99 Carolina Hurricanes

By Jeb Bohn

19 Nov 1998: Goalie Arturs Irbe #1 of the Carolina Hurricanes prepares to make a stop during a game against the New Jersey Devils at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Hurricanes 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello /Allsport
19 Nov 1998: Goalie Arturs Irbe #1 of the Carolina Hurricanes prepares to make a stop during a game against the New Jersey Devils at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Hurricanes 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello /Allsport /
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Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Steve Chiasson
20 Mar 1998: Defenseman Steve Chiasson of the Carolina Hurricanes in action during a game against the Dallas Stars at the Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas. The Stars defeated the Hurricanes 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport /

Tragedy Strikes

A few hours after being eliminated by the Bruins, the Hurricanes gathered at the home of Gary Roberts for a team party.  Sometime later, Chiasson left in his pickup truck, headed home.  Sadly, he never made it.

In the early morning hours of May 3rd, 1999, Chiasson was involved in a single-vehicle accident and succumbed to his injuries.  Just 32, Chiasson left behind a wife and three children.  The Hurricanes haven’t retired Chiasson’s #3, but no player has worn it for the team since his death.

For the 1999-2000 season, the Carolina Hurricanes established the Steve Chiasson award, annually given “to the Hurricanes player that best exemplifies determination and dedication while proving to be an inspiration to his teammates through his performance and approach to the game.”

The list of winners is populated by fan favorites:

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