Former Winnipeg Jet passes away at the age of 53

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Finnegan Frost
October 2, 2024 (6:48 PM)

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The hockey world loses another soul - Jason Cirone lost his battle to cancer and passed away at the age of 53.

According to puck empire, We regret to announce the passing of Italian national team legend and former NHLer, Jason Cirone at the age of 53, after battling with cancer.

Cirone, a native of Toronto, was drafted 46th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 1989 NHL Entry-Draft, and played three games with the franchise in the NHL.

Cirone played one season with Asiago in Italy in 1992-93, before returning back to North America to play in the minors. However, he made the return to Italy in 2001-02 with Asiago again, and begun playing with the Italian national team 🇮🇹 in 2004, with nine goals, 21 points through 49 games played with the national team at the World Championships, 2006 Olympic Games, and various friendlies from 2004-2008.

Cirone had 92 goals, 194 points through 190 games played in Italian league, all with Asiago.

According to Hockey Patrol, never able to find his footing in the NHL, it's surprising he didn't get more opportunities. His statistics in the ECHL and IHL were impressive, including a season where he put up 42 goals with Kansas City in 1998-99. He may not have been a household name but could clearly hold his own in the world of professional hockey and it's a shame he never got a chance to shine in the NHL. Cirone didn't let his talents go to waste though, as in 2013 He was hired by Midland University to be their head coach of both men and women's teams.

The world is still dealing with the tragic loss of the johnny Gaudreau brothers, but now, the NHL will make every attempt to honour the late Italian legend, Jason Cerone.

Source: Hockey Patrol - Puck Empire IG
Former Winnipeg Jets draft pick Jason Cirone passes away at 53