Shawn Simpson, the beloved former TSN Radio personality, has tragically passed away at the age of 56.

Before his broadcasting career, Simpson was known for his time as a goaltender. He was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 1986 NHL Draft’s third round. Simpson represented Team Canada at the 1987 World Junior Hockey Championship and went on to spend three seasons with the Capitals’ AHL affiliate, the Baltimore Skipjacks. He later transitioned into an executive role, where he became the director of hockey operations for the Capitals. He also served as the general manager of the Portland Pirates, the Capitals’ AHL team.

Simpson’s career took him across various roles in the hockey world. In the mid-2000s, he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs as a scout, and he also worked in an executive capacity with the KHL. In 2012, he found his home at TSN 1200 in Ottawa (formerly The Team 1200), where his voice became synonymous with local sports radio.

As a radio personality, Simpson was a major figure in Ottawa’s sports media. He co-hosted the station’s afternoon drive show alongside Ian Mendes from 2012 to 2019 and then teamed up with John Rodenburg for the morning show until 2023. He was a regular presence on pre-game and post-game segments during Ottawa Senators broadcasts, further cementing his connection to the local sports community.

Simpson, a native of Gloucester, Ontario, began his hockey journey with the Soo Greyhounds and the Oshawa Generals in the OHL, before rising through the ranks in professional hockey.

His contribution to the hockey world and his years of broadcasting with TSN 1200 have left a lasting impact on both the sports community and his many listeners.