Wayne Simmonds said he didn't return to North America because of the racial abuse he suffered from some fans at a game in the Czech Republic. He returned for family reasons, which he stated were "fine" now. "It wasn't me itching to come back. I had to come home," said Simmonds. "I had stuff I had to deal with." He also commented that playing overseas had its challenges, but he enjoyed the experience. Simmonds participated in the Operation Hat Trick charity game over the weekend to help benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy. He hasn't ruled out going back to Europe if the lockout continues to drag along, but for now he'll be "in and out of Philly" and he plans to work out in Toronto while spending some time with his mother.