Shawn “Simmer” Simpson, a notable figure in the hockey world with a history as an NHL executive, scout, and radio host for TSN 1200, passed away on January 30, 2025, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He was 56 years old.
Having recently completed a rehabilitation program, Simpson was living with his friends, Derick Fage and his wife. The cause of death is yet to be disclosed, but Simpson had been vocal about his mental health struggles throughout his career.
Simpson’s career in hockey started in the Ontario Hockey League and he was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 1986. Although he never played in the NHL, he spent three seasons with the Baltimore Skipjacks, an affiliate of the Capitals in the American Hockey League.
After ending his playing career in 1991, Simpson transitioned to hockey operations, taking on roles as a scout and director of hockey operations for both the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs. He also briefly worked as the director of hockey operations for Dynamo Minsk in the Kontinental Hockey League and later became president of the Cape Cod Cubs in the International Junior Hockey League.
Graham Creech, a close friend and fellow broadcaster, said, “He wrestled with his demons,” sharing Simpson’s ongoing battles with mental health alongside podcaster Brent Wallace.
In 2010, Simpson joined TSN 1200 in Ottawa as a part-time contributor, sharing his insights on hockey. He soon became a full-time co-host on the station’s afternoon show, “The Drive,” from 2012 to 2019. Known for his enthusiasm and laughter, he later transitioned to the morning show, creating the “Simmer Down” segment where he offered life advice to listeners. He held his last position as a postgame analyst for TSN 1200 Ottawa until June 2023.
The Ottawa Senators organization described Simpson as a “lionhearted member of the Sens media landscape and proud member of the Ottawa community,” emphasizing his significant influence on local sports reporting. Both the Ottawa Senators and Washington Capitals issued statements expressing their condolences to Simpson’s family and friends.
Simpson’s personal life was marked by early adversity. His parents divorced when he was 10, leading to a series of moves with his mother. Injuries and fan criticism marred his playing career. After losing his job in 2004, he faced homelessness in Boston, Massachusetts before rebuilding his career in broadcasting.
In a move that inspired many in the sports industry, Simpson was open about his mental health struggles. His candidness sparked discussions about the mental demands of high-performance sports, leading to a greater emphasis on mental health programs and support structures for players and media figures in the NHL.
A fundraiser set up in memory of Simpson at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Center has collected over $10,000 Canadian. The Ottawa Senators, Redblacks, 67’s, and Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group all honored Simpson, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Ottawa sports community.
