OHL mourns the loss of Chris Simon
The Ontario Hockey League is saddened by the loss of former Ottawa 67’s and Soo Greyhounds forward Chris Simon, who has passed away at the age of 52.
An imposing 6-foot-3, 225Ib. winger from Wawa, Ont., Simon played four seasons in the OHL from 1988-92, winning an OHL Championship with Sault Ste. Marie in 1992. The big flank was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round of the 1990 NHL Draft and went on to play parts of 15 seasons in the NHL, winning a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 1996.
“Chris was a skillful and imposing player with the 67’s and Greyhounds,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “Off the ice Chris was very caring for others. He was a special person, and he’ll be deeply missed. The League sends condolences to his friends and family.”
Simon entered the OHL as a third round pick by the 67’s from the Soo Thunderbirds in 1988. He’d go on to put up an impressive 36 goals in his sophomore season and finished his OHL career with 76 goals, 72 assists and 148 points in 146 regular season games. He made a pair of deep playoff runs, reaching the Leyden Division Final with Ottawa in 1991. After being dealt to Sault Ste. Marie in exchange for goaltender Mike Lenarduzzi and defenceman Chris Shushack in October 1991, Simon helped steer the Greyhounds to an OHL title, recording 13 points (5-8–13) in 11 playoff games that spring.
Moving on to the NHL, Simon was part of a trade that saw Eric Lindros dealt from Quebec to Philadelphia. He broke into the NHL with the Nordiques in 1992-93 and would eventually play with other teams in Colorado, Washington, Chicago, the New York Rangers, Calgary, the New York Islanders and Minnesota Wild over the course of a 782-game career that yielded 144 goals, 161 assists, 305 points and 1,824 penalty minutes. He helped Washington reach the Stanley Cup Final in 1998, and later helped the Calgary Flames do so in 2004. Simon played parts of five seasons in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League to conclude his career, retiring in 2013.
For more on the career of Chris Simon, visit nhl.com.
The Ottawa 67’s are deeply saddened by the news of Chris Simon’s passing. Chris suited up in 115 games for the Barber Poles between the 1988-89 and 1991-92 seasons, helping the team reach the Leyden Division Final in 1991.
Our most heartfelt sympathies are with Chris’ family… pic.twitter.com/znCG5ne5ZP— Ottawa 67’s (@Ottawa67sHockey) March 19, 2024
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