Chris Simon.Photo:Scott Cunningham/Getty
Scott Cunningham/Getty
Canadian professional ice hockey player Chris Simon has died at age 52.
“The family strongly believes and witnessed firsthand, that Chris struggled immensely from CTE which unfortunately resulted in his death,” the statement read about Simon’s possible cause of death.
“We are grieving with the loss of our son, brother, father, partner, teammate and friend. The entire Wawa [Ontario] community is sharing in our grief. We will not be releasing any further details at this time and ask for privacy during this very difficult time. We appreciate everyone who shares in our tragic loss,” the message concluded.
Chris Simon.Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty
Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty
The NHL Alumni Association also paid tribute to Simon,writingon X (formerly known as Twitter) that “The NHL Alumni Association is devastated to learn that Stanley Cup Champion, Chris Simon, has passed away at the age of 52 years old.”
The message mentioned Simon being drafted 25th overall in 1990 to the Philadelphia Flyers, adding “He would have a lengthy NHL career, playing for eight different teams, appearing in 782 regular-season games, and scoring 305 points.”
The tribute also mentioned Simon helping the Colorado Avalanche win their first Stanley Cup during the 1995-96 season, adding: “Chris was never afraid to stand up for his teammates, and played a key role in the dressing room. He was a beloved friend, father, brother, and son.”
“We send our deepest condolences to Chris’ family, friends, and former teammates during this very difficult time,” the message continued. “The family has asked to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
Chris Simon.Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty
Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty
Avalanche president Joe Sakic added in a statement, perESPN, “Chris was a great guy, a beloved teammate and important part of our first championship season.”
“He was a really good hockey player who could score goals, was a big presence in the dressing room and was the first person to stand up and defend his teammates. Off the ice he was an unbelievable guy and a caring father, son, brother, and friend. He will be sorely missed,” Sakic continued.
During his career, Simon, who was one of hockey’s most feared enforcers, also played for the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, New York Islanders, and Minnesota Wild, spending the majority of his career with the Washington Capitals. He last played in the NHL in the 2007-08 season, before playing in the KHL in Russia.
Simon’s fellow Canadian and former teammate Mike Commodore was among those paying tribute.
“Folks…sad day today…Chris Simon was most definitely an intimidating guy on the ice…hell of a player as well…we spent a lot of time together during Flames 04 run since we were both living in the hotel…he couldn’t have been nicer to me. RIP Chris. You will be missed,” Commodorewrote.
The Washington Capitals also shared astatementon X, writing that the team was “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chris Simon.”
“Chris was a fixture in Washington for parts of seven seasons and was an integral member of the 1998 team that reached the first Stanley Cup final in franchise history. Our entire organization extends our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” the message added.
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source: people.com
