'I'm so happy': Ex-Hound Wayne Simmonds officially retires

Former Soo Greyhound Wayne Simmonds has officially retired from hockey after an emotional sendoff last night by the Philadelphia Flyers. 

Simmonds signed a one-day contract with the Flyers on Saturday and was the guest of honour at the team's home game against the New Jersey Devils.

Fellow Hounds alumnus Morgan Frost was in the lineup for Philadelphia, which is still fighting for a playoff spot in the final days of the NHL season.

"I'm so happy," Simmonds said, in one behind-the-scenes video released on the Flyers' X page.

Officially back where he belongs.

Back in Philly and back in Orange & Black. #LetsGoFlyers | @Simmonds17 pic.twitter.com/CNuPInur8D

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 12, 2024

Drafted 61st overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2007 draft, Simmonds had 263 goals and 526 career points in 1,037 NHL regular-season games over 15 seasons with L.A., Philadelphia, Nashville, New Jersey, Buffalo and Toronto (2008-23). He also scored eight goals and had 22 playoff points in 53 career playoff games.

Long before that, Simmonds was a star in Sault Ste. Marie, acquired in December 2007 in a trade with the Owen Sound Attack. In 31 games, he tallied 16 goals and 20 assists.

Wayne Train’s making one final stop in Philly.#LetsGoFlyers | @Simmonds17 pic.twitter.com/6c4Gp14CvD

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 13, 2024