The family of former Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Keith Magnuson was awarded $9.5 million US by a St. Louis County jury Friday in a wrongful death lawsuit involving former NHL defenceman Rob Ramage.

Magnuson's wife and two children filed the suit against Ramage and National Car Rentals of Canada. The jury deliberated about two hours.

Magnuson, 56, was a passenger in a rental car driven by Ramage on Dec. 15, 2003. The car veered into traffic and struck two vehicles near Vaughn, Ont., just north of Toronto. Magnuson was pronounced dead at the scene.

In October, Ramage was found guilty of five charges, including impaired driving causing death, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. Ramage, 48, will be sentenced Jan. 17.

Ramage, who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1989 to 1991, was also charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm, two counts of dangerous driving causing death and having a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit.

In closing arguments, lawyers for the Magnuson family suggested a range of compensation of $25 million to $33 million.

Beth Boggs, lawyer for National Car, said a verdict of $2.5 million would provide fair compensation for the family.

"Rob accepts responsibility for the death of Keith Magnuson and awaits your verdict," Ramage's lawyer, Scott Harper, said in a brief statement at the end of the case.

Ramage, who is out on bail and lives in nearby Chesterfield, Mo., did not attend the four-day trial.

He posted 139 goals and 564 points with 2,224 penalty minutes in 1,044 NHL games after being drafted first overall by the Colorado Rockies in 1979.

Magnuson was a rugged defenceman for the Blackhawks from 1969-80 and coached the team for 1½ seasons. He played in 589 games over 11 seasons, all with Chicago.

With files from the Associated Press