Shawn “Simmer” Simpson, a former executive and scout for the National Hockey League (NHL) and a radio personality for TSN 1200, passed away in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on January 30, 2025, at the age of 56.
Simpson had recently completed a rehabilitation program and resided with friends Derick Fage and his wife. While the cause of death remains undisclosed, Simpson was candid about his battles with mental health throughout his career.
Simpson’s professional hockey journey began in the Ontario Hockey League, which led to his selection by the Washington Capitals in the 1986 NHL draft. Although he never played in the NHL, Simpson spent three seasons with the Baltimore Skipjacks, the Capitals’ affiliate in the American Hockey League.
After retiring from playing in 1991, Simpson transitioned into hockey operations, working as a scout and director of hockey operations for the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs. He briefly held the position of director of hockey operations for Dynamo Minsk in the Kontinental Hockey League. He later assumed the presidency of the Cape Cod Cubs in the International Junior Hockey League.
“He wrestled with his demons,” remarked Graham Creech, a close friend and fellow broadcaster. Creech, along with podcaster Brent Wallace, shared anecdotes about Simpson’s mental health struggles.
In 2010, Simpson joined TSN 1200 in Ottawa as a part-time contributor, offering his insights on hockey. He later became a full-time co-host on the station’s afternoon show, The Drive, from 2012 to 2019. Known for his vibrant enthusiasm and laughter, he later transitioned to the morning show, where he became popular for his “Simmer Down” segment, offering life advice to listeners. His last role was as a postgame analyst for TSN 1200 Ottawa, a position he held 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 contribution to local sports coverage. Both the Ottawa Senators and Washington Capitals extended their condolences to Simpson’s family and friends.
Early challenges characterized Simpson’s personal life. His parents divorced when he was 10, leading to numerous relocations with his mother. His playing career was marred by injuries and fan criticism. After losing his job in 2004, he faced homelessness in Boston before rebuilding his career in broadcasting.
Simpson’s openness about his mental health struggles has encouraged others in the sports industry to discuss mental wellness more freely. His candidness has sparked conversations about the mental strain of high-performance sports, leading to a greater emphasis on mental health programs and support systems for players and media personalities in the NHL.
A fundraiser set up in Simpson’s memory at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Center has raised over $10,000 Canadian. The Ottawa Senators, Redblacks, 67’s, and Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group all paid tribute to Simpson, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Ottawa sports community.