Greyhounds, OHL Mourn the Loss of Shawn Simpson
The Ontario Hockey League is saddened by the loss of former Soo Greyhounds and Oshawa Generals goaltender Shawn Simpson, a man beloved by many who became a familiar voice in the Ottawa region with a long-time presence on TSN 1200 Radio.
Originally from Gloucester, Ont., “Simmer,” as he was affectionately called, passed away this week at the age of 56. The OHL was a springboard for Simpson as he was selected by the Soo Greyhounds in the second round of the 1985 OHL Priority Selection. He’d go on to play four seasons between Sault Ste. Marie and Oshawa from 1985-89 and represented Canada at the World Juniors in 1987. He was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the third round of the 1986 NHL Draft, and after three years with the AHL affiliate Baltimore Skipjacks, Simpson would eventually transition to management.
Off the ice, Simpson ascended to the role of director of hockey operations for the Capitals at the age of 29, and served as general manager of the AHL affiliate Portland Pirates. He later joined the Toronto Maple Leafs in the mid-2000s as a scout, and also served in an executive role in Russia’s KHL before going behind the mic in radio in 2012.
Simpson hosted AM 1200’s afternoon drive program with Ian Mendes from 2012-19 before transitioning to the morning run with John Rodenburg from 2019-23. He was also part of pre-game coverage for Ottawa Senators broadcasts on the station.
For more on the life and career of Shawn Simpson, visit the Ottawa Citizen.