Shawn Simpson, known as “Simmer,” a former executive and scout for the National Hockey League (NHL), as well as a personality on TSN 1200 radio, passed away in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on January 30, 2025, at the age of 56.
Simpson had recently completed a rehabilitation program and was living with 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.
His hockey career started in the Ontario Hockey League and he was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 1986. Although he never played in the NHL, Simpson spent three seasons with the Baltimore Skipjacks, the Capitals’ American Hockey League affiliate.
Following his retirement as a player in 1991, Simpson shifted to hockey operations, working as a scout and director of hockey operations for the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs. He briefly served as director of hockey operations for Dynamo Minsk in the Kontinental Hockey League before becoming president of the International Junior Hockey League’s Cape Cod Cubs.
“He wrestled with his demons,” remarked close friend and fellow broadcaster Graham Creech. Both Creech and podcaster Brent Wallace shared anecdotes about Simpson’s ongoing mental health challenges.
In 2010, Simpson joined TSN 1200 in Ottawa as a part-time contributor, providing hockey commentary. He later became a full-time co-host on the station’s afternoon show, The Drive, from 2012 to 2019. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and laughter, he later transitioned to the morning show, where he introduced the “Simmer Down” segment, offering life advice to listeners. His final role was as a postgame analyst for TSN 1200 Ottawa, a position he held until June 2023.
The Ottawa Senators organization referred to Simpson as a “lionhearted member of the Sens media landscape and proud member of the Ottawa community,” underscoring his significant impact on local sports coverage. Both the Ottawa Senators and Washington Capitals issued statements expressing condolences to Simpson’s family and friends.
Simpson faced early personal challenges, including his parents’ divorce when he was 10, which led to numerous relocations with his mother. His playing career was plagued by injuries and criticism from fans. After losing his job in 2004, he faced homelessness in Boston, Massachusetts, before restarting his career in broadcasting.
Simpson’s openness about his mental health struggles encouraged others in the sports industry to be more vocal about mental wellness. His candidness facilitated conversations about the mental demands of high-performance sports, leading to an enhanced focus on mental health programs and support systems for players and media personalities in the NHL.
A fundraising campaign in Simpson’s memory at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Center has already raised over $10,000 Canadian. The Ottawa Senators, Redblacks, 67’s, and Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group all honored Simpson for his contributions to the Ottawa sports community.
