Former Winnipeg Jets draft pick Jason Cirone passes away at 53
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On Wednesday, the 53-year-old former Winnipeg Jets draft pick Jason Cirone, who established himself in Europe, passed away, leaving the hockey world in sadness.
Another sad loss happened on Wednesday, and hockey fans are still grieving over the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Former Winnipeg Jets draft pick Jason Cirone (3rd Round, 46th overall) went away at the age of 53 from cancer,Â
 A spectacular four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) (130 goals and 150 assists in 212 games, mostly with the Cornwall Royals) preceded his last 23 games as a Windsor Spitfires player, which led to his 1989 draft selection. The Jets then selected him in the first round of the draft, selecting him above players like Pavel Bure, Wes Walz, Kris Draper, Sergei Fedorov, and Nicklas Lidstron. Cirone only played three games for the Jets and did not record a point in those contests. After that, he bounced around playing full-time for both European (Germany and Italy) and North American (AHL, IHL, and ECHL) teams until retiring in 2007–2008. His primary focus was on supporting Team Italy during international hockey tournaments.
Remarkably, he didn't get more opportunities given that he was never able to establish himself in the NHL. Impressive numbers were posted by him in the ECHL and IHL, including a 42-goal season with Kansas City in 1998–99. Even though he wasn't well-known, he could definitely compete in the professional hockey world, therefore it's unfortunate that he was never given the opportunity to succeed in the NHL. Nevertheless, Cirone didn't let his skills go unappreciated, as Midland University recruited him in 2013 to serve as head coach of the men's and women's teams.
It's an unfortunate piece of news as many anticipate the start of the regular season. We here at Hockey Patrol would like to offer our condolences to the family of Jason Cirone; a national hero for Italian hockey taken too soon.
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