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Longtime NHL Player Chris Simon Dead At 52

Pittsburgh Penguins v New York Islanders

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Mariane Angela Contributor
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Former NHL enforcer Chris Simon passed away at the age of 52 Monday, a spokesperson for the NHL Players’ Association confirmed.

Paul Theofanous, Simon’s agent, did not provide more information, according to a representative from the NHL Players’ Association, The Associated Press (AP) reported. Additionally, the Ontario Provincial Police refused to comment on the circumstances of Simon’s death, and no cause has been disclosed yet.

Simon had an extensive NHL career spanning 15 seasons from 1993 to 2008, playing a total of 857 regular-season and playoff games. Renowned for his physical style of play, he engaged in over 100 fights and accumulated 1,824 penalty minutes, ranking 67th in league history, according to The AP.

Former agent Larry Kelly described the former NHL star as a kind and respectful individual who was appreciative of advice. “For a big tough player, he was also a very kind, caring individual who was always respectful and grateful for advice,” Kelly told The AP.

UNIONDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Chris Simon #12 of the New York Islanders skates against the New York Rangers during their NHL preseason game on September 24, 2007 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

UNIONDALE, NY – SEPTEMBER 24: Chris Simon #12 of the New York Islanders skates against the New York Rangers during their NHL preseason game on September 24, 2007 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Simon achieved the pinnacle of success in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and reaching the finals with the Washington Capitals in 1998 and the Calgary Flames in 2004, The AP reported. He also played for the Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, and New York Rangers and Islanders before concluding his career with five seasons in the KHL. (RELATED: Legendary Hockey Player Dead At 84)

Despite being highly respected on the ice, Simon received multiple suspensions during his career, including a 25-game ban in 2007 for a cross-check to the face of Ryan Hollweg and a 30-game suspension later that year for stomping on the leg of Jarkko Ruutu, The AP reportd.