
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:
- 1999-00: Sean Hill
- 2000-01: Rod Brind’Amour
- 2001-02: Ron Francis
- 2002-03: Kevyn Adams
- 2003-04: Sean Hill
- 2005-06: Rod Brind’Amour
- 2006-07: Rod Brind’Amour
- 2007-08: Bret Hedican
- 2008-09: Rod Brind’Amour
- 2009-10: Rod Brind’Amour
- 2010-11: Tim Gleason
- 2011-12: Eric Staal
- 2012-13: Tim Gleason
- 2013-14: Manny Malhotra
- 2014-15: Jordan Staal
- 2015-16: Jay McClement
- 2016-17: Bryan Bickell
- 2017-18: Jordan Staal
- 2018-19: Justin Williams