Apr 1, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy on his bench in the third period against the Washington Capitals at the Pepsi Center. The Capitals defeated the Avalanche 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The NHL world responds to the death of Chris Simon, the Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche enforcer.
The NHL community is mourning the loss of Chris Simon, the 1996 Avalanche Stanley Cup champion.
Simon’s family disclosed the news on Tuesday and confirmed the cause of death, suicide, in an ESPN statement. He was 52. Simon’s family believes it is linked to a brain illness known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which he developed after playing over 700 NHL games.
“The family strongly believes, and witnessed firsthand, that Chris suffered greatly from CTE, which unfortunately resulted in his death,” the Simon family said in a statement to ESPN. “We are saddened by the loss of our son, brother, parent, partner, teammate, and friend. The entire Wawa (Ontario) community shares our pain. We will not provide any additional information at this time and respectfully request privacy during this extremely difficult period. We thank everyone who has shared in our awful loss.”
Simon spent his first three NHL seasons in Quebec before moving to Colorado with the Avalanche. He was one of the toughest players of his period (1992-2008), with 1,824 penalty minutes and 305 points in 15 seasons. Simon played on seven different teams.
He played an important role in the Colorado Avalanche’s championship run in 1995-96. Simon scored 34 points (16 goals) as a physical depth winger that season. Simon appeared in twelve Avalanche playoff games. He was traded later in the offseason.
Joe Sakic, Avalanche president of team operations, wrote on social media, “Chris was a great guy, a beloved teammate, and an important part of our first championship season.” He was an excellent hockey player who could score goals, had a strong presence in the locker room, and was the first to stand up and protect his teammates. Off the ice, he was an incredible person, a loving father, son, brother, and friend. He’ll be sadly missed.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman (at NHL general manager meetings in Florida): “Chris’ death is awful and sad. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. And, as you are aware, we are waiting to hear from medical specialists on all of these issues. Having
Mike Commodore, a former NHL teammate, posted on social media: “Folks…”Today’s a sad day.Chris Simon was frightening on the ice.He is also an excellent player.We spent a lot of time together during the Flames’ 2004 run because we were both staying in the hotel…He could not have been kinder to me. Chris, rest in peace. “You’ll be missed.”
Conor McGahey, the Avalanche’s play-by-play radio announcer, wrote on social media: “Chris Simon was a member of the team that helped me fall in love with hockey. May God bless him and his family. People are always available to help you if you are battling with depression or despair. Do not be frightened to reach out. Please.”
This article includes a discussion about suicide. If you or someone you know requires assistance, please call the
