Simoneau named CHL humanitarian of the year

Xavier Simoneau, eligible for the 2020 NHL Draft, was named recipient of the Canadian Hockey League’s humanitarian of the year award, the league announced Wednesday.

Simoneau, No. 132 in FC Hockey’s final ranking for the 2020 draft, led the Drummondville Voltigeurs on and off the ice in 2019-20. The captain had a team-leading 89 points (28 goals, 61 assists) and served his community through a variety of initiatives that included ‘Les amis a Simy’, his own outreach program.

“It’s an honour for me to win the humanitarian trophy in the CHL,” Simoneau said in a release. “I worked hard all year with the Drummondville Voltigeurs to create Les amis à Simy. I’m very proud to give my time for the kids, and I’m very proud to win this award.”

Les amis à Simy (the Simy’s Friends project), launced in October, was put together in order to reward kids who’ve done good deeds or to highlight the efforts of those with learning disabilities and to help kids fighting illnesses or going through tough times in their lives.

Simoneau was also the spokesman for the Centre-du-Québec Autism organization raising funds and creating awareness for the cause, was involved with Drummondville’s minor hockey association inspiring youth and attending coach clinics.

He also participated in school visits, met patients at Sainte-Croix Hospital Pediatric Center throughout the season, and served as honorary president for the Voltigeurs blood drive.