Chris Simon was a professional ice hockey left winger who made headlines for striking David Babcock in the face, resulting in the breakage of his teeth.
Chris gained attention for his aggressive style of play. He was known for his physicality, often engaging in intense confrontations with opponents and frequently resorting to aggressive nature during games.
Key Takeaways
- Chris Simon’s hockey career was marked by both success and controversy. One of the well-known incidents was his suspension for injuring David Babcock in the face, which resulted in the breakage of seven teeth.
- Despite facing struggles with alcohol addiction and financial difficulties, Simon found support under the mentorship of Ted Nolan, a future NHL coach, highlighting the importance of guidance and mentorship in overcoming challenges.
- Throughout his NHL career, Simon was suspended eight times for various on-ice incidents, totaling 65 games.
Simon faced a tough battle with alcohol addiction, but he found hope and support under the mentorship of future Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders coach Ted Nolan.
Simon’s playing style often led to penalties and disciplinary actions due to his aggressive behavior on the ice. Arguments and disputes often surrounded Simon’s life.
Sadly, Simon’s journey came to an unexpected end with his sudden demise on March 18, 2024.
Chris Simon Was Infamous For Breaking David Babcock’s Teeth
Simon was widely known for his hostile gameplay. Talking about these dental issues, Chris Simon did not experience them; instead, he injured another player during the game.
One notable incident occurred during the 1990-91 OHL season when he received a 12-game suspension for striking David Babcock in the face.
This action resulted in Babcock breaking seven teeth and needing 21 stitches to close a cut.
Another infamous incident happened in 2007 when Simon injured New York Rangers forward Ryan Hollweg in the face with his stick during a game.
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Ryan Hollweg from the Rangers hit Simon from behind, causing Simon to crash into the boards and get a concussion.
In response, Simon swung his hockey stick at Hollweg’s face as he skated past.
Simon was given a match penalty for trying to hurt Hollweg, which meant he had to leave the game. Hollweg got a cut on his chin that needed two stitches.
Chris Simon Was Suspended Eight Times During His NHL Career
Chris Simon faced multiple suspensions throughout his hockey career, with one of his suspensions lasting 12 games.
This particular suspension came during the 1990-91 OHL season when he injured another player by slashing him in the face, breaking seven teeth, and needing 21 stitches.
Moreover, in another incident during a game against the Edmonton Oilers in 1997, Simon was suspended for three games for using his stick to hit his opponent.
During a game, Simon pulled Ruutu’s leg back with his own and then stomped on the back of Ruutu’s right leg with his skate.
Referee Justin St. Pierre saw the incident and gave Simon a match penalty for attempting to injure, ejecting him from the game.
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The next day, Simon took indefinite paid leave from the team, saying there was “no excuse” for his actions and that he needed some time away from hockey.
However, the following day, Simon was suspended without pay for 30 games, making it the third-longest suspension for an on-ice incident in modern NHL history.
Later, he was again benched for the remainder of the season, including playoffs, with a minimum of 25 games.
In addition to these incidents, Simon received several other prohibitions for various on-ice incidents, totaling 65 games throughout his NHL career.
Simon was known as a hostile player because he frequently engaged in on-ice incidents involving fights and rule violations.
He was accused of checking opponents aggressively, dangerously using his stick, and intentionally injuring other players.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old was Chris Simon?
Once one of hockey’s most feared players, Chris Simon was 52 years old at his demise.
2. Who was Chris Simon married to?
Simon first married Lauri Smith, with whom he had one child. After divorcing Lauri, Simon married his second wife, Valerie, with whom he had four children. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2017.
3. What mental health challenges did Chris Simon face?
Former NHL enforcer and Capitals forward Chris Simon was reportedly suffering from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
