Feature For February, 2002 Issue of Just Hockey Magazine
By Rich Herles
PORTLAND, ME. – This story really begins on January 24, 1973. The Ferraro family was blessed with a set of twins, Chris and Peter. The two boys grew up in Port Jefferson, New York, where the developed a love for the sport of hockey. Throughout their high school career, the power of the twins helped each of the boys to shine, as each of them averaged more than two points per game and helped the U.S. team win the World Juniors Championship. Peter described it this way. “Being a twin you have a ‘twin unity’. If you’re not a twin you really can’t understand it. We work so well together. Picture having your best by your side all the time.”
The twins’ next step was college. They both attended the University of Maine and helped the team to a NCAA Championship in their freshman year, as well as the U.S. Junior Team to its second World Juniors Championship. They returned to the Black Bears to begin their sophomore season, but decided to devote that season to the United States National Team.
After their stints with the National Teams, it was time for the dynamic duo to turn pro. This is also when the twosome really became a threesome. Chris added the third member to their team and that was Jennifer. When Chris had met Jennifer, she seemed to help complete them both. Although Chris and Jennifer were married, it was Jennifer that made sure that Peter was always a part of what they did. “The best way to describe just how close we were is when ever Chris and Jennifer were out, they always wanted me to be with them. They never went out by themselves. Even when it came time to plan their honeymoon in Hawaii, Jennifer had no problem with me coming along, but it was Chris that said that he wanted to do this for her.” Traveling for the first three and a half seasons from Atlanta in the IHL to Binghamton in the AHL to New York in the NHL and finally to Pittsburgh in the NHL the threesome remained together. Then for two seasons they played apart before reuniting the threesome for a half season with the AHL’s Providence Bruins. After splitting up for another season, the Washington Capitals signed Peter, as a free agent, and Chris was acquired for future considerations. Thus, three musketeers were back together for good. Unfortunately, that time was far too short.
Last fall, as the twins were preparing for a great season in the Capitals organization, the newest part of the team was diagnosed with stomach cancer and for the first time in many years, there was something that was more important than hockey. Peter put it into perspective. “When something like this happens, it opens your eyes to what’s important. Sometimes you may not feel like going to the rink for practice or after a tough game, but now (after seeing what she’s gone through) I can’t be let down.” Washington gave Chris a leave of absence to help Jennifer as much as he could and spent most of the season with the Portland Pirates and spending as much time with his brother and sister-in-law as he could.
Peter explained just how important Jennifer was to the Ferraros. “She was the glue that kept our family together for nine years. The biggest thing was that Jennifer never tried to get in between the two of us. She accepted me, as she did Chris. When it came to Chris, she was very generous about the bond that Chris and I have. She always put me above herself. It takes a strong person to put herself aside, but she never thought of herself, it was always Chris. There was never any competition or jealousy. I’m privileged that her last name was FERRARO.”
On November 5th Jennifer Ferraro succumbed to her illness. Many times in professional sports we hear about how the sudden death of a father or mother effects the surviving player. Often, it’s a player dedicating his play the rest of the season to the memory of person that they lost. This is not a story about losing, but rather a story of winning. Peter Ferraro put it best when he explained about the death of his sister-in-law, “Our outlook is that she fought hard and now she is in a better place. So, she’s won.” Chris added, “There are so many relationships out there and they are in love, but the toughest thing is to lose your soulmate. What hurts the most is that she’s not here to share my life.” Peter finished the thought. “Being together is what’s helping us to get through this. Getting back to playing hockey will help, but it will also be hard. Jennifer has been there good or bad for the last nine years. She was Chris’ best supporter and it’s going to be difficult not having her there.”
The Ferraros would like to thank everyone for their cards and prayers. A fund that has established in Jennifer’s name to benefit gastric cancer research. The fund will benefit work being done in Bethesda, Maryland, where Jennifer was first treated following her diagnosis and at Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York, where she passed away. If you would like to send a card or make a donation, it may be sent to the following address: Jennifer Ferraro Fund P.O. Box 155 Sound Beach, NY 11789
The Portland Pirates will be announcing further details regarding on-going efforts to benefit the Jennifer Ferraro Fund.
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Remember Keep Your Stick on the Ice and Your Eye on Your Goal!
Copyright © 2002 by Richard G. Herles
Any reprinting of this article without written permission is prohibited.
(Reprinting via email is authorized by Rich Herles)
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