Chris Simon, a seasoned hockey stalwart with 15 years of professional experience, including noteworthy periods with esteemed teams like the New York Rangers and Islanders, tragically ended his own life this Monday. At the age of 52, Simon departed at his residence in Wawa, Ontario, his agent confirmed the tragic news.
The family chose to share a heartfelt statement concerning the reasons they believe led to Simon’s tragic choice. They indicated that they suspect repeated traumatic brain injuries, that he sustained throughout his active hockey years, to be the underlying factor that pushed him down this heartbreaking path.
The family’s statement read, ‘The family is of the strong conviction, borne out of our personal experiences and observations, that Chris was severely grappling with CTE, a struggle that, unfortunately, culminated in his untimely demise.’ They refrained from divulging any more details regarding this tragedy, requesting privacy during this challenging period even as they expressed their gratitude to all those who were sharing in this devastating loss.
‘Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)’, a condition whose definitive diagnosis is possible only posthumously, most frequently enters the public deliberation in the context of retired football players. This neurological degenerative disease has been a subject of extensive research, particularly concerning retired athletes who had engaged in contact sports.
A seminal study conducted by Boston University in 2017 shed some light on CTE’s prevalence, revealing that a staggering 99% of former NFL players’ brains examined had CTE. This alarming statistic underscores the seriousness of the condition and hints at its potential role in Simon’s tragedy.
Throughout his professional journey, Simon was celebrated as an enforcer, a player respected and feared in equal measure. His impressive career yielded 1,824 penalty minutes, a feat that ranks him as the 67th-most penalized player in the entire history of the National Hockey League.
Simon’s tenure with the Islanders, from 2006 to 2008, is especially memorable for being marked with two of the most severe suspensions in the league’s history. Despite these challenging times, Simon demonstrated an indomitable spirit, earning respect and admiration along the way.
Joe Sakic, one of Simon’s former teammates, remembered him as a talented player and a beacon within the team. ‘Beyond his skills on the rink, he had an equally significant presence off it. He was the first to leap to the defense of his teammates and an irreplaceable part of the dressing room — an incredible player whose contribution extended far beyond the rink,’ Sakic lamented.
Simon launched his stellar career in 1990 when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers. He was subsequently traded to the Quebec Nordiques in 1992 as part of an enormous deal involving Eric Lindros. Notably, Simon was part of the team’s move from Quebec City to Denver, leading to the birth of the Colorado Avalanche.
In the 1995-96 season, Simon tasted ultimate victory, proudly hoisting the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche. Despite this triumph, Simon found himself traded to the Washington Capitals after the season ended, where he flourished for seven prosperous years.
Upon conclusion of his tenure in Washington, Simon’s career saw additional shifts, navigating his way through the Chicago Blackhawks, the Rangers, the Calgary Flames, the Islanders, and finally concluding his journey with the Minnesota Wild over the last five seasons of his time in the NHL.
Mike Commodore, another former teammate of Simon, praised him on social media. Describing him as an ‘intimidating guy on the ice’, Commodore added, ‘Despite his formidable demeanor on the ice, Chris was the epitome of kindness towards me. Rest in peace, Chris, you will forever be in our hearts.’
Chris Simon’s life might have ended in a devastating tragedy, but his legacy is far from finished. His career left an indelible mark on the NHL, his fans, and his erstwhile teammates, continuing to resonate despite his physical absence. His story reaffirms the cost of sports-related chronic injuries and the urgent need for focused discourse and proactive measures in this regard.