Former NHL Goalie and Broadcaster Shawn Simpson Dies at 56

OTTAWA, Ontario — The hockey world is mourning the loss of Shawn Simpson, a former NHL goaltender, executive, and beloved broadcaster, who died Wednesday at the age of 56. The Ottawa Senators honored Simpson with a moment of silence before their game against the Washington Capitals on Thursday at Canadian Tire Centre.

Simpson, known affectionately as “Simmer,” was a third-round draft pick by the Washington Capitals in 1986 and later became a prominent voice in Ottawa sports media. He was open about his struggles with mental health, using his platform on TSN 1200 radio to advocate for greater awareness and support.

“When I got to the rink this morning, I heard the sad news,” Senators coach Travis Green said Thursday. “I know a lot of people, probably in the room, knew Shawn. I didn’t know him personally, but I just want to offer my condolences to his family and friends. If you’re struggling with mental health issues, please reach out.”

Simpson’s hockey career included representing Canada at the 1987 World Junior Championship, where he was part of the infamous “Punch-up in Piestany” brawl against the USSR. After retiring as a player in 1991, he transitioned to front-office roles, serving as a scout and director of hockey operations for the Capitals and later as a pro scout for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In 2012, Simpson returned to Ottawa, where he had played minor hockey, to join TSN 1200. He became a fixture in the city’s sports media landscape, hosting shows like “The Drive” and the podcast “Coming In Hot” with former TSN reporter Brent Wallace.

“The demons you wrestled with on a daily basis really only came to light for me about two years ago,” said Ian Mendes, Senators vice president of communications and Simpson’s former co-host. “My only wish is that you are now free from that pain and agony. You are a beautiful, kind soul who didn’t deserve the weight you carried.”

Wallace shared on social media how Simpson had reached out for help during a mental health crisis in August. With the support of friends, Simpson entered a treatment program, but tragically, he passed away five months later.

“He was very open about his battles with mental health,” Wallace said on “Coming In Hot” Thursday. “We worked to get him some help. In the end, we just weren’t successful. Today is a tough one.”

Tributes poured in from across the sports world. TSN’s James Duthie called Simpson a “constant hockey voice on Ottawa radio,” while the Ottawa Senators described him as a “lionhearted member of the Sens media landscape.”

Simpson’s legacy extends beyond his hockey career. His openness about mental health and his advocacy for better services have left a lasting impact on the community. “He was a pillar of our community,” the Ottawa Redblacks, Ottawa 67's, and Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group said in a joint statement. “His courage and kindness will be remembered.”