Former NHL Enforcers Chris Simon and Konstantin Koltsov Pass Away at 52 and 42 Respectively

The hockey world mourns the loss of two former NHL players as news circulates about the passing of Chris Simon and Konstantin Koltsov. Chris Simon, a formidable enforcer, passed away at the age of 52. On the other hand, Konstantin Koltsov, a former Belarusian player and coach in the KHL, tragically died in Florida at 42 years old.

Chris Simon, known for his physical presence on the ice, built a career spanning 782 games across various NHL teams including the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Chicago, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, New York Islanders, and Minnesota Wild.

The NHL Players' Association confirmed Chris Simon’s death, expressing condolences to his family and highlighting his legacy as a player. His former coach, Ted Nolan, described Chris as a standout player with a "heart of gold".

Throughout his career, Chris Simon faced multiple suspensions, including noteworthy incidents like a 25-game ban for a cross-check to the face of Ryan Hollweg and a 30-game suspension for stomping on Jarkko Ruutu.

Konstantin Koltsov, who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL before transitioning into coaching, served as an assistant for Salavat Yulaev Ufa and the Belarusian men’s national team. His sudden death was confirmed by the Miami-Dade Police as an apparent suicide, marking a significant loss in the hockey community.

Dmitry Baskov, the national team coach, paid tribute to Konstantin Koltsov, praising his leadership qualities and impact on Belarusian hockey. The Pittsburgh Penguins also extended their condolences to Koltsov’s family and friends in the wake of the tragic news.

Aryna Sabalenka, a prominent tennis player from Belarus and the partner of Konstantin Koltsov, continued her participation in the Miami Open despite the heartbreaking loss. Sabalenka, known for her achievements like winning the Australian Open, remains a notable figure in the sports world.

As the sports community grieves these losses, the legacies of Chris Simon and Konstantin Koltsov stand as testaments to their contributions to the game and the impact they had on their respective teams and leagues.