Christopher J. Simon, born on January 30, 1972, and passing away on March 18, 2024, was a Canadian ice hockey left winger who competed in both the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Renowned for his assertive style on the ice, he faced suspension on eight occasions, accumulating a total of 65 games sidelined throughout his tenure in the NHL.
Raised in Wawa, Ontario, Chris Simon honed his hockey skills in his hometown, playing for the Wawa Flyers of the NOHA during his formative years. Transitioning to junior hockey, he competed for the Sault Ste. Marie Thunderbirds of the NOJHL during the 1987–88 season while at the Bantam level.
In addition to exploring Chris Simon’s upbringing and early hockey career, there is considerable curiosity surrounding the circumstances of Chris Simon death. This article will delve into the details surrounding Chris Simon’s passing, as well as his noteworthy NHL career and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
Cause Of Chris Simon Death
On Tuesday, the deaths of two former NHL players were announced. Chris Simon, renowned as one of hockey’s most formidable enforcers, passed away at the age of 52.
The NHL Players’ Association conveyed the news, confirming Simon’s death through his family, who revealed that he had passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024, night. No details regarding the cause of death were provided.
In a separate development, former Belarusian hockey player Konstantin Koltsov, who had been serving as a coach in the Kontinental Hockey League, passed away in Florida, according to police reports. He was 42 years old.
Originating from Wawa, Ontario, Simon stood at six-foot-three and weighed 232 pounds. Over the course of his career, he accumulated 1,824 penalty minutes while competing in 782 games for various NHL teams, including the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, New York Islanders, and Minnesota Wild.
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The NHLPA, in an email on Tuesday confirming Simon’s death, expressed that “his children and family are mourning the sudden loss of their father, son, brother, friend, and teammate.”
Chris Simon: NHL Career, Suspensions, And Legacy
During his career, the NHL suspended Chris Simon eight times, totaling 65 games. His most notable suspension was a 25-game ban while playing for the Islanders after a cross-check to Ryan Hollweg’s face in March 2007. Another significant suspension followed in December of the same year, as he was sidelined for 30 games for stomping on Jarkko Ruutu’s leg.
Originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1990 and later traded to Quebec as part of the Eric Lindros deal, Simon experienced success in the NHL. He won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 1996 and reached the finals with Washington in 1998 and Calgary in 2004.
Recognized for his physical style of play during an era where fighting and intimidation were prevalent, Simon was also capable of scoring goals. Throughout his career, he accumulated 144 goals, including a career-high of 29 in a single season with Washington in 1999-00. Additionally, he recorded 161 assists for a total of 305 points, along with 191 penalty minutes in playoff contests.
The NHL issued a statement expressing condolences upon Simon’s passing, highlighting his competitiveness and achievements during his 15-season career in which he played over 800 NHL games.
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After his NHL career, Simon played in the KHL for parts of five seasons. Following the news of his death, former teammates shared their condolences on social media.