Charron loses battle with cancer

The American Hockey League is saddened to learn today of the passing of former AHL All-Star and Rochester Americans Hall of Famer Craig Charron after a year-long battle with cancer.

He was 42.

“Craig was a leader and a champion both on and off the ice everywhere he played,” said David Andrews, AHL President and CEO. “His courage and determination were admirable, and the entire American Hockey League extends our deepest sympathies to his family and everyone whose lives Craig touched.”

“It is a real sad day. We all have heavy hearts with the passing of ‘Sharky.’ We all knew he was a great player, but more importantly he was an amazing young man,” said Amerks director of player personnel and former teammate Jody Gage. “He will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with Wendy and the four kids. We extend our love and support in this most difficult time.”

In memory of Craig, the Amerks will wear his No. 5 tonight on their helmets when they play the Hamilton Bulldogs. The Amerks will have a pregame tribute to “Sharky” Saturday night. There will be further recognition of his outstanding career at a more appropriate time.

Charron is survived by his wife, Wendy, and their four children: Jackson, Nicholas, Hunter Anne, and Emma. “Sharky” was the general manager at The Sports Centre at MCC and the varsity hockey coach at Spencerport High School.

Charron was the 44th member of the Amerks Hall of Fame, having played in 335 games (1995-98, 2000-02) with Rochester. “Sharky” was a two-time winner of the team’s MVP award, scoring title, McCulloch Trophy for community service, Fairand O’Neill Award for sportsmanship and the Booster Club’s Most Popular Player award.

In 1995-96, he earned team MVP honors and helped the Amerks win their sixth Calder Cup.

Charron played a total of 490 games over parts of nine seasons in the AHL with Rochester, the Lowell Lock Monsters, the St. John’s Maple Leafs, the Cornwall Aces and the Fredericton Canadiens, totaling 170 goals and 265 assists. He was an AHL All-Star in 1997 and 1998, and in 1997-98 he was named the AHL’s Fred T. Hunt Award winner for sportsmanship, determination and dedication to hockey.