Simmonds honored by Flyers for contributions on, off ice

Jones was one the players to present Simmonds with a commemorative Snider Hockey jersey Saturday. As a 12-year-old in 2018, he also had the opportunity to meet Simmonds and take a photo with him, and they had a chance to reminisce about that photo and how Jones now nearly can look the 6-foot-2 Simmonds eye to eye.

“You don’t really realize the impact that you have while you’re doing it,” Simmonds said. “I don’t think that’s why you do it in the first place. You just do it because you like giving back and that’s the way I’ve always thought of it. So to kind of sit here and see the impact to me … it’s very good.”

Flyers chairman Dan Hilferty said one of the happiest people to see Simmonds honored would have been founding owner Ed Snider, who died April 11, 2016.

“The way you played the game exemplified not only how Ed Snider, the founder of the organization, anticipated that a Flyer would play,” Hilferty said. “The way each of you held each other accountable day in and day out, and that was not only on the ice, but it was also in the community. What you did for Snider Hockey and Education, you were always there. When you get a chance to rest a little bit, ‘Jonesy’ and I would love to have a conversation … about how we can continue getting you involved in our community efforts.”

Simmonds, selected by Los Angeles in the second round (No. 61) of the 2007 NHL Draft, finished his career with 526 points (263 goals, 263 assists) in 1,037 NHL games over 15 seasons with the Kings, Flyers, Predators, Devils, Buffalo Sabres and Maple Leafs and 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) in 53 playoff games.