Canada's Chris Simon, former NHL enforcer, dead at 52

Chris Simon, once one of the hockey's most feared enforcers, has died. He was 52.

The NHL Players' Association confirmed the news via Simon's family that he died Monday night. The cause of death wasn't provided.

The six-foot-three, 232-pound forward from Wawa, Ont., amassed 1,824 penalty minutes in 782 games with the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Chicago, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, New York Islanders and Minnesota Wild.

The NHLPA said in an email Tuesday confirming Simon's death that "his children and family are grieving the sudden loss of their father, son, brother, friend and teammate."

The NHL Alumni Association is devastated to learn that Stanley Cup Champion, Chris Simon, has passed away at the age of 52 years old. <br><br>Chris was drafted 25th overall in the 1990 draft to the <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLFlyers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHLFlyers</a>, but would be traded to the Quebec Nordiques before playing for Philly. He… <a href="https://t.co/RnAqmBWayG">pic.twitter.com/RnAqmBWayG</a>

Ted Nolan, who coached and mentored Simon with the Ontario Hockey League's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, called it a "very tough day."

"If I was starting a team, Chris would be my first pick," Nolan, who also coached Simon in the NHL with the Islanders, said in a text message. "Size, skill, talent, and above all, a heart of gold."

Simon also wasn't without controversy.

The NHL suspended him eight times during his career for a total of 65 games. He was hit with a 25-game ban when he was with the Islanders for a cross-check to the face of Rangers forward Ryan Hollweg in March 2007.

Simon was then forced to sit 30 games for stomping on the leg of Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jarkko Ruutu in December of