The National Hockey League (NHL) is in grief following the unexpected deaths of two former players, Chris Simon and Konstantin Koltsov. These consecutive losses have created a gap in the hockey world, as fans and colleagues recall the influence these players had on the game.
Former NHL player Chris Simon died by suicide aged 52 as his family say Stanley Cup winner 'struggled immensely' in battle with CTE in heartbreaking statement https://t.co/3JfB3WGG7b pic.twitter.com/fL5nRDEK9x
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) March 20, 2024
Chris Simon
Chris Simon, a Canadian defence man famed for his rugged style and scoring prowess, passed away on March 19th, 2024, at the age of 57. Simon was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1987 and spent 12 years in the NHL, playing for seven different clubs. While Simon’s penalty minutes record is impressive, he was also a superb offensive player who scored more than 200 points during his career. He will be remembered for his intensity on the rink and commitment to the game.
Unfortunate Demise of Konstantin Koltsov
On March 20th, 2024, news broke that Konstantin Koltsov had died. The 32-year-old Russian forward had a remarkable career, mostly in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), winning the Gagarin Cup twice with Ak Bars Kazan. He also represented Russia internationally, winning bronze at the 2012 IIHF World Championships. Koltsov’s talent and leadership will be greatly missed by his fans and colleagues.
The NHL community has come together to offer their condolences to the families of Chris Simon and Konstantin Koltsov. Former teammates, coaches, and fans have expressed their recollections and lauded these guys’ contributions to the game. Social media channels are flooded with tributes, emphasizing the impact these athletes had on the game.