Oct. 19, 2010
Former River Hawk great Craig Charron passed away late Monday night from his brave battle with stomach cancer at the age of 42.
"UMass Lowell has lost a great friend and former student-athlete," UMass Lowell Athletic Director Dana Skinner said. "Craig was a hero on the ice and in every community in which he played or lived. He was such an inspiration to so many throughout his young life. His passing will be mourned by all who knew him. We share our deepest sympathies with his wife, Wendy, and their four courageous children."
Charron was a standout forward for the University of Lowell from 1986-90, serving as captain during his senior year. Upon his graduation, Charron was the second leading scorer in the program's Division I history with 148 points on 64 goals and 84 assists in 142 career games. His accomplishments in a Chiefs' sweater still stand the test of time as he ranks 13th among all scorers in school history. During his sophomore season, ULowell appeared in its first ever Division I NCAA Tournament in 1988.
"We were privileged and blessed to have been part of his life's journey," said head coach Blaise MacDonald. "To have an opportunity to see Craig and spend time with him this past Saturday was a gift. We will keep his wife Wendy, a UMass Lowell alumni, and their beautiful children in our thoughts and prayers. We will always support them."
To honor his success and hard work at the university, Charron is being inducted into the Legends of Lowell, formerly the UMass Lowell Hockey Hall of Fame, at Friday night's home opener against Providence College. The pre-game ceremony, coinciding with the Third Annual Riley Reunion Night, will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a reception, video tributes and brief speaking program, followed by the game at 7:00 p.m.
Originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1989, Charron went on to an illustrious professional career, namely with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League. On April 6, 2008, the Amerks made Charron the 44th member of their Hall of Fame.
In addition to the Legends of Lowell ceremonies, prior to Friday's game UMass Lowell will wear Charron jerseys in warm-ups. Those jerseys will be auctioned off during the contest to raise money for his family.
To make a donation to the Craig Charron Fund, please visit http://www.craigcharron.com/
