Current and former players use social media to express outrage over Simmonds incident

Current and former players were appalled by the apparent racist incident that took place during Thursday's preseason game between the Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings in London, Ont.

During the shootout, a fan threw a banana at Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds, who is black.

Simmonds was a trending topic on Twitter in Canada on Friday, with many using social media to express their outrage over the incident:

Chris Stewart, Blues forward (@CStewSTL25) - "The incident that happened in london tonight involving my best friend wayne simmonds was simply disgusting, its 2011 ppl need to grow up,"

Logan Couture (@LoganCouture) -- "Wayne Simmonds is a good friend of mine. To hear what happened to him in my hometown is awful. No need for this in sports or life."

Ian Laperriere, Flyers forward (@dooda1414) - "I can't believe what happen last night during the shoot-out ... I know racism is out there but to see that at a hockey game I'm shock"

Devante Smith-Pelly, Ducks prospect (@smithpelly23) - "What happened to my good friend Wayne Simmonds tonight is just disgusting."

Paul Bissonette, Coyotes forward (@BizNasty2point0) - "Wayne Simmonds dealt with some aweful stuff tonight in London, Ontario."

Kevin Weekes, NHL Network analyst and former NHL player (@kevinweekes) - "For those that asked : I'm extremely disappointed with what happened to Wayne Simmonds tonight in London Ont. We've taken HUGE steps to grow the game of hockey, as I speak Willie O'Ree and I are in D.C attending the Black Congressional Caucus on behalf of the #NHL & ironically this takes place:( There's NO place for this in sports since sport connects us not divides us. Much love to all the true&Classy #NHL Fans."