The Ottawa hockey community suffered a significant loss on Wednesday with the passing of Shawn Simpson:
The Ottawa hockey community suffered a significant loss on Wednesday with the passing of Shawn Simpson, a beloved former NHL executive, player, and broadcaster. At just 56 years old, “Simmer” dedicated his entire life to the sport of hockey, making a profound impact in every role he took on—from player to executive to media personality.
Simpson’s hockey journey began with an impressive amateur career with the Gloucester Rangers and the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He was the first goalie selected in the 1986 NHL Draft, and he made a mark as a member of the iconic 1987 Team Canada, which famously clashed with the Soviet Union in a bench-clearing brawl during the World Junior Hockey Championships.
Although his professional playing career didn’t unfold as he had hoped, Simpson found success in broadcasting and front-office roles with the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Dinamo Minsk. But those accolades, while important, only scratch the surface of his influence in the Ottawa sports community.
When he returned to Ottawa in 2012, Simpson became a key figure in local sports media, joining TSN 1200 as a broadcaster. It was there that I first crossed paths with him. At the time, I had been co-hosting the station’s morning show for over a decade, and I wasn’t familiar with Simmer. However, it didn’t take long to realize that he was something special. His smooth delivery, perfect timing, and deep knowledge of the game made him a standout on the airwaves.
Simmer’s time on the station included countless appearances on the afternoon show with Ian Mendes, and it was easy to see why he was so well-loved. He had a knack for making even the most complex hockey topics accessible, and his witty, carefree style made him a joy to listen to. Over the years, we became friends, sharing a love for the same 1980s pop culture and growing up in Ottawa. We did many shows together, and each time was effortless.
However, beneath his easygoing, funny persona, there were moments when Simmer would pause, lost in thought, as if wrestling with a memory or a difficult emotion. Those quiet moments gave a glimpse into the more introspective side of Simmer, something he later opened up about as he struggled with mental health in his later years.
When Bell Media let me go in 2019, Simmer took over my spot on the morning show, but we stayed in touch. We often met up at Broadway’s in Riverside South to catch up, and we even talked about starting a podcast together. Sadly, life got in the way, and that idea never came to fruition.
Simmer’s final years on radio were marked by a growing openness about his personal battles with mental health. When I spoke with friends from the media community—like Ian, Brent Wallace, and Steve Lloyd—on Wednesday night, I could see how deeply these people cared for him. Ian, in particular, stood out as someone who had always been there for Simmer, offering support through difficult times.
As Ian Mendes beautifully expressed on social media Thursday morning, Simmer was not just a great broadcaster but a dear friend. His absence will leave a hole in many hearts, but his contributions to the Ottawa sports scene and his legacy as a kind and dedicated person will never be forgotten.
Shawn Simpson, affectionately known as “Simmer,” was a multifaceted figure in the world of hockey and sports media, leaving a lasting mark on the Ottawa sports community. Here are some highlights of his remarkable life and career:
- Early Hockey Career: Simpson’s hockey journey began with an elite amateur career, playing for the Gloucester Rangers and the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He was the first goalie selected in the 1986 NHL Draft by the Washington Capitals and represented Canada on the legendary 1987 World Junior Hockey Championship team, known for its infamous bench-clearing brawl with the Soviet Union.
- Transition to Media: After his playing career, which didn’t pan out as he had hoped, Simpson transitioned to a successful broadcasting and front-office career. He worked with the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Dinamo Minsk before making his mark in the media world.
- TSN 1200: In 2012, Simpson joined TSN 1200 in Ottawa, where he became a fan favorite due to his smooth delivery, deep knowledge of hockey, and natural on-air presence. His witty humor and insightful commentary on the Senators’ pre-game show made him a key figure in Ottawa’s sports media landscape.
- Friendship and Connection: Beyond his professional success, Simpson was known for his personal connection with colleagues and friends, especially those in Ottawa’s sports community. He shared a bond with fellow broadcasters like Ian Mendes, Brent Wallace, and Derick Fage. He was a loyal friend and mentor, often bringing a sense of humor and authenticity to the table.
- Mental Health Advocacy: In his final years, Simpson was open about his struggles with mental health, which resonated with many of his listeners and colleagues. He showed vulnerability and bravery by sharing his experiences, and his friends and colleagues were there for him during his toughest times.
- Legacy: Simpson’s passing in 2023 at the age of 56 left a profound impact on the Ottawa sports community. His legacy as a player, executive, and broadcaster lives on, and his genuine connection with those around him is fondly remembered. He will be missed not only for his contributions to hockey and broadcasting but also for the warmth and humanity he brought to every interaction.
Shawn Simpson’s influence on Ottawa’s sports world remains, and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of connection, humor, and openness in the face of life’s challenges.
Leave a Reply