Former Calgary Flames winger Chris Simon has passed away at the age of 52. Simon, a member of the Michipicoten First Nation near Wawa, Ontario, was a significant figure in the Flames’ memorable run to the Stanley Cup Finals during the 2003-04 season.
Acquired as a key in-season addition, Simon played an instrumental role in the Flames’ playoff journey, contributing three goals and two assists in the remaining regular-season games and adding five goals and two assists during the playoff push, which culminated in a memorable Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Selected 25th overall in the 1990 NHL Draft, Simon enjoyed a distinguished 15-season career in the NHL, showcasing not only his toughness on the ice but also his offensive prowess, tallying 144 goals and 161 assists in 782 games with various teams.
Although his time in Calgary was brief, Simon left an indelible mark on the organization and its fans, earning a place as a fan favorite during his tenure at the Saddledome.
Simon’s former teammates and colleagues took to social media, remembering him fondly for his off-ice demeanor, which contrasted with his tough-guy reputation on the ice. Mike Commodore, who shared the ice with Simon during the Flames’ 2004 playoff run, described him as a “hell of a player” and a kind-hearted individual, reflecting on their time together during that memorable season.
As the hockey community mourns his loss, Chris Simon’s legacy as both a player and a person will be remembered and cherished by those who knew him.