Memorial Held For Chiasson

Teammates and family members of Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Steve Chiasson remembered him Tuesday as having a "zest for life" and a determination on the ice that produced a solid 13-year NHL career.

Chiasson, 32, was killed early Monday when his pickup truck went out of control and rolled. Chiasson, who wasn't wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the vehicle.

A hour-long private memorial service was held for Chiasson at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, just minutes from where he was killed. His funeral will be Saturday in his native Peterborough, Ontario.

"This still doesn't seem real," goaltender Trevor Kidd said after the service.

Members of the Hurricanes entered the church holding hands with their wives or girlfriends as a large photo of Chiasson in his uniform rested on an easel to the right of the altar.

The team and the rest of the organization was joined by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and director of hockey operations Colin Campbell, former coach of the New York Rangers.

Chiasson's wife, Susan, and the couple's children, ages 7, 4 and 2, followed the team, holding roses. When 2-year-old Stephanie approached the alter and saw the photo, she shouted, "There's my daddy."

It was an emotional afternoon for the team, which learned of Chiasson's death less than 12 hours after being eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs by Boston on Sunday night. Former Carolina player Stu Grimson sent words of prayer. Nelson Emerson, traded to Ottawa in midseason, flew in for the service.

Some players stared straight ahead while others cried. Chiasson's best friend, Ray Sheppard, buried his head on his wife's shoulder as Susan Chiasson addressed the congregation.

"I can just feel him here," Susan Chiasson said. "He wasn't a hockey player, he was my best friend.

"He lived life," she added. "All of you go home and hug your significant other and kiss your children."

Kevin Dineen, the team's captain last year, spoke for about 10 minutes, as did Sheppard, who had a tough time holding it together. Sheppard, who roomed with Chiasson on the road, talked of his friend's honestly and integrity.

"I'll take that with me for as long as I live," Sheppard said. "He'll be in our prayers forever. We should all be grateful for him."

Meanwhile, Dineen talked to Chiasson's children, telling them of their father's leadership skills and enjoyment of fishing.

"Your dad spoke when he felt he had something to offer. He didn't speak just to be heard," Dineen said.

Chiasson was traveling at about 74 mph in a 55-mph zone, according to the accident report released Tuesday. Highway Patrol Trooper K.L. Horne said he was awaiting results of a blood test before commenting on whether alcohol played a role.

Horne said results of a blood-alcohol test will not be available for two to three weeks, but the reporissued listed intoxication as an accident factor.

The wreck came almost two years after an automobile accident involving Chiasson's former Detroit Red Wings teammate Vladimir Konstantinov, Detroit's Vyacheslav Fetisov and the team masseur. The three were injured in June 1997 after a celebration of the Red Wings' first Stanley Cup in 42 years, won six days earlier.

Konstantinov received severe head injuries that ended his career, and the masseur, Sergei Mnatsakanov, also was seriously injured. Fetisov had minor injuries.

Chiasson spent eight years with the Red Wings before being traded to the Calgary Flames in 1994 and then, in 1997, to the Hartford Whalers, who later became the Hurricanes. He played in his first NHL All-Star game in 1993.

Chiasson had shoulder surgery in January and played in only 28 regular season games, scoring once and adding eight assists. The operation was expected to end his season, but he returned to play all six playoff games for the Hurricanes, scoring a goal and two assists.

"He had a real satisfaction in knowing that he did everything he could to get back and help his teammates," Dineen said.