Sports
Former Philadelphia Flyer Wayne Simmonds Retires After 15-Year Career
Former Philadelphia Flyer Wayne Simmonds has officially announced his retirement from the National Hockey League (NHL) after a remarkable 15-year career that saw him leave an indelible mark on the ice.
As a tribute to his contributions, the Philadelphia Flyers will sign Simmonds to a one-day contract and celebrate his career on Saturday, April 13th at the Wells Fargo Center when they face off against the New Jersey Devils.
During his time with the Flyers, Simmonds was a force to be reckoned with, showcasing his tenacity and skill on the ice. His impact resonated beyond the game as he dedicated himself to various charitable initiatives both in Philadelphia and his hometown of Scarborough, Ontario.
Simmonds’ career highlights include being named the MVP of the 2017 NHL All-Star Game and his key role in launching the Diversity in Hockey alliance in 2020 to combat racism and intolerance in the sport.
Recognized for his exceptional leadership qualities, Simmonds was a finalist for the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2017-18 before clinching the prestigious title in 2018-19.
Throughout his illustrious career, Simmonds amassed impressive stats, tallying 263 goals and 526 points in 1036 regular-season NHL games across 15 seasons with teams such as Los Angeles, Nashville, and Toronto.
Internationally, Simmonds proudly represented Canada, contributing to their gold medal win at the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championship and securing silver at the 2013 and 2017 IIHF World Championships.
Off the ice, Simmonds left an enduring legacy through his philanthropic endeavors, including founding ‘Wayne’s Road Hockey Warriors’ and actively supporting organizations like the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and March of Dimes.