The hockey world lost a special person on Wednesday. Shawn Simpson, a former goaltender in the American Hockey League and NHL executive, died at the age of 56.
Shawn Simpson Remembered
The Ottawa Senators were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Shawn Simpson, lionhearted member of the Sens media landscape and proud member of the Ottawa community.
Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as well as his fans whose lives he touched throughout his…
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) January 30, 2025
Simpson’s hockey career started in the Ontario Hockey League with the Ste. Marie Greyhounds. In 1986, he was the first goalie taken in the NHL draft, joining the Washington Capitals. A year later, Simpson participated in the World Junior Hockey Championship, where he played for Team Canada. That tournament is memorable for a bench-clearing brawl between Team Canada and the Soviet Union team.
Simpson played in 35 games in three AHL seasons. While he never played in an NHL game, he did serve as the team’s backup goalie for two games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Unfortunately, that is the extent of his playing career. Injuries forced Simpson to hang up the skates.
Career in the Washington Broadcast Booth and Front Office
However, Simpson’s time in hockey did not end. After retiring, Simpson joined the Capitals TV network as a color commentator. While working in the broadcast booth, Simpson completed law school at Georgetown University. After two years in the booth, Simpson spent six seasons as a scout for the team.
In 1997, Simpson was promoted to director of hockey operations for the Capitals. He also served as the general manager of the AHL’s Portland Pirates, the Capitals’ main affiliate.
Simpson Went North of the Border
In 2004, Simpson joined the Toronto Maple Leafs as a scout. Simpson spent four years in the Leafs organization before an organizational overhaul resulted in Simpson seeking another job.
Joining the Ottawa Hockey Community
Simpson joined TSN in 2012 as a hockey analyst. He co-hosted “The Drive ” and worked on the Ottawa Senators’ post-game show.
Goodbye, Simmer
Shawn Simpson may never have played in an NHL game, but he will be remembered by hockey fans for his roles in other areas of the game.
Those who knew Simpson knew the special person he was.
I don’t have the words today, but I’m going to try.
Rest in peace Simmer.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) January 30, 2025
Rest in peace, Shawn Simpson.
Main Photo: Taya Gray/The Desert- Imagn Images
