Updated: Tue Dec. 18 2007 6:38:23 PM

toronto.ctv.ca

The family of Keith Magnuson, who was killed in a drunk driving crash caused by former Toronto Maple Leaf captain Rob Ramage, is asking a judge to spare Ramage a prison sentence.

Magnuson's son Kevin told a Newmarket judge on Tuesday the Ramage family has been punished enough by the fatal accident and subsequent trial and conviction.

"A prison sentence will not be seen as any measure of justice ... but will simply exacerbate our pain and create additional victims in Rob's family," Kevin said.

"Rob Ramage has already paid for this mistake. Please show leniency. This is what our dad and husband, Keith Magnuson, wants."

The Magnusons said they have forgiven Ramage for his actions, and would rather see him receive a sentence of community service instead of a penitentiary term.

The family suggested to the judge that Ramage could tour high schools in North America and speak to students about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Ramage's lawyer, Brian Greenspan, presented more than 100 letters from friends, family members, community leaders and former NHL players that describe Ramage's character. Some of the hockey notables included Lanny McDonald, Brad Marsh and Jacques Demers.

Former Maple Leaf Mike Gartner came to the hearing to let Ramage know "there's a lot of people that support him."

The Crown is asking Ramage to serve a prison term of between three and five years for the crash that killed Magnuson, his friend and passenger, in December 2003.

The defence is asking for a term of between 18 and 21 months of house arrest.

A jury convicted Ramage in October of five charges, including impaired driving causing death and dangerous driving causing death.

Magnuson, a 56-year-old former Chicago Blackhawks defenceman, was killed instantly when the rented car driven by Ramage crossed the centre line and collided with an SUV in Woodbridge, northwest of Toronto.

The pair was returning from a funeral service in Bolton for NHL Alumni Association chair Keith McCreary.

During the criminal trial, court heard that post-crash test results showed Ramage had at least two-and-half and perhaps nearly four times the legal limit of alcohol in his blood and urine.

Ramage was captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1989 to 1991. During his 15-year career, he also played for the Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens, winning Stanley Cups with both teams.

Ramage is free on bail. The judge is expected to pass sentence on Jan. 17.

With a report from CTV's Chris Eby