Explain Chris Simon in 500 words
Chris Simon is a former professional ice hockey player known for his physical style of play and his lengthy career in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 30, 1972, in Wawa, Ontario, Canada, Simon began his hockey career in the junior leagues before being drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing over 230 pounds, Simon was known for his imposing presence on the ice. He played as a left winger and was known for his physicality, often engaging in fights and delivering big hits to opponents. Simon was not only a tough player but also had a knack for scoring goals, finishing his career with over 140 goals in the NHL.
Throughout his career, Simon played for several NHL teams, including the Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, and New York Islanders. He was known for his versatility and ability to play a variety of roles on the ice, from providing physicality and toughness to contributing offensively.
However, Simon's career was also marred by several controversial incidents. In 1997, he was suspended for three games for cross-checking an opponent in the face. In 2000, he received a 25-game suspension for a two-handed stick swing to the face of an opponent. These incidents earned Simon a reputation as a dirty player and led to further suspensions throughout his career.
One of the most infamous incidents involving Chris Simon occurred in 2007 when he viciously stomped on the leg of Jarkko Ruutu during a game between the New York Islanders and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The incident resulted in a 30-game suspension for Simon, the longest in NHL history for an on-ice incident. The incident tarnished Simon's reputation even further and raised questions about his conduct on the ice.
Despite his controversial behavior, Simon was also known for his charitable work off the ice. He was involved in various community initiatives and charitable organizations throughout his career, using his platform as a professional athlete to give back to those in need.
In 2008, Chris Simon announced his retirement from professional hockey after a career that spanned over 15 years in the NHL. While his career was marked by controversy and suspensions, Simon will be remembered as a tough and physical player who left a lasting impact on the game of hockey.
In conclusion, Chris Simon was a polarizing figure in the world of professional hockey. Known for his physical play and scoring ability, Simon's career was overshadowed by controversial incidents and suspensions. Despite his on-ice behavior, Simon also made positive contributions off the ice through his charitable work. While his legacy may be mixed, there is no denying the impact that Chris Simon had on the game of hockey during his career in the NHL.