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http://sports.mainetoday.com/pirates/stories/021106pirates.shtml

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                     Wednesday, November 6, 2002

                                            Tragedy strikes Pirates' forward


                        By JENN MENENDEZ, Portland Press Herald Writer

                      Copyright  2002 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.





After a year of fighting her illness, Jennifer Ferraro, the wife of Portland Pirates forward Chris Ferraro, died Tuesday morning in Long Island, N.Y.

    Ferraro was diagnosed with stomach cancer just before the 2001-02 hockey season, weeks after she and Chris were married.

   Chris Ferraro took a personal leave in October 2001 and spent the rest of the season caring for his wife. He re-signed with the parent Washington Capitals last August, with his twin brother, Peter, and started the season with the Pirates.

   After the opening weekend in mid-October, Chris Ferraro left to be with Jennifer. Peter, one of the Pirates' leading scorers, has been traveling weekly to be with Jennifer and Chris since the season began.

   "It's a sad, sad situation. And very personal to the boys and something they'll need time to move on from," said Pirates Coach Tim Army. "From my end of things it's just time to heal and take care of things at home.

   "Certainly when they're ready, when the time is right to come back and play, obviously we're here."

   Chris and Peter will remain on personal leave indefinitely.

    "I want them to have time to heal and take care of all the things that have to be taken care of at home," said Army. "When the time is right they'll obviously be welcomed back and start right where they left off."

   The Ferraros, who played for the University of Maine's 1993 championship team, are considered prolific minor-league scorers and respected veterans.

   Neither the Pirates nor Capitals have announced details on where to send donations or flowers.



   Staff Writer Jenn Menendez can be contacted at 791-6426 or at:

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