(NationRise.com) – Former NHL legend Chris Simon died on March 18 at the age of 52, at his house in Wawa, Ontario, during night hours. Simon’s representative, Paul Theofanous, and the NHL Players’ Association confirmed his death but did not provide any details about it. Some media outlets said that the Ontario Provincial Police has refused to answer numerous questions about the athlete’s death.
In a statement, Simon’s family said he was a great father and a charismatic person who was always close to his loved ones. The family also asked for privacy in these painful moments and explained they were still in shock over the sudden loss. They blamed his death on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
Starting his professional career in 1993, the former NHL enforcer played 857 playoff and regular-season games over 16 seasons, until 2008. Throughout his long and successful career, Simon fought over 100 times and managed to rack up 1,824 penalty minutes, which puts him in the 67th position in the NHL’s history.
In a statement, former agent Larry Kelly said that while many NHL fans know that Simon was a big and “tough” player who always gave the best for his teams and pushed himself to the limit, he was also a kind and caring man. Kelly added that the former NHL legend was always grateful and respectful for advice.
In 1996, he reached one of the greatest moments in his career after winning the Stanley Cup with Colorado, which many fans remember as an epic moment in the team’s modern history. Simon was also part of numerous runs to the final with Calgary and Washington.
Before playing for these teams, Simon spent some years with the Quebec Nordiques before they officially became the Avalanche. After Calgary and Washington, the former NHL enforcer played for the New York Rangers and Islanders. After finishing his NHL career, Simon played for the KHL until 2013, when he retired.
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