Italian Sniper

Story by BRIAN WHITWHAM, Free Press Sports Reporter

When Italy's inline hockey team beat Canada last year in
the world championship, Jason Cirone didn't know how to
feel. The game was in Pisek, Czech Republic, and Italy
won 2-1 with Cirone scoring both goals.

"I didn't know whether to be happy or to cry or . . . it was
weird," Cirone said.

He was torn because he is both Italian and Canadian.
Cirone was born and raised in Toronto.

But he is representing Italy again in the International
Federation of Roller Sports (FIRS) men's world inline
hockey championship at the Western Fair Sports Centre.

Canada beat Italy 3-1 last night before about 700
spectators -- and Cirone had Italy's only goal.

He hasn't lived in Canada for more than 12 years. After a
brief NHL stint with the Winnipeg Jets during the 1991-92
season, he spent the next 10 years playing in the
minors.

He now lives with his wife and two children in Italy where
he plays pro inline and ice hockey -- and he's on both
national teams.

But with the world inline championships in London this
year, he said it has been a nostalgic experience.

Cirone remembers facing the London Knights when he
played in the OHL for the Cornwall Royals and the
Windsor Spitfires.

He also knows many of the older members on the
Canadian team, who were prompted to come out since
Canada is hosting.

"It's just fun to come back and see those guys," Cirone
said, referring to such players as Victor Gervais, Doug Ast
and Hugo Belanger.

"It's serious and you really want to win but it's fun."

Cirone said there is one other important reason he is
happy to be competing in London.

"My dad hasn't seen me play any kind of hockey in the
last 12 years."

But Cirone's father was there last night along with his
mother, wife and kids.

As he watched Jason play, John Cirone said he was
reminded of seeing his son practise through the winter on
a homemade ice rink next to the house.

"He used to sleep and dream hockey. He accomplished
what he started."

Jason Cirone said he's very happy to be representing
Italy but with his history, he'll always feel somewhat
divided.

"You always want to play for your home country and I
have two.

"I'll always be torn."

Canada will face Japan tonight at 9 p.m.

The women's world championship begins today, with
Canada playing Mexico in a match that begins at 5:30
p.m.