Former NHLer and Member of the Toronto Maple Leafs Family Tragically Passes Away
PUBLICATION
TJ Tucker
January 30, 2025 (10:55)
Photo credit: YouTube
The hockey community, especially in the province of Ontario, is banding together to mourn the loss of a former NHLer, scout, front office executive, and a well-known hockey broadcaster and podcaster.
Shawn Simpson, the first netminder selected in
the 1986 NHL Entry Draft, has tragically and suddenly passed away at the age of 55.
The cause of Simpson's death has not been made public. However, he had been very open in the past with his struggles with his mental health.
Simpson, a native of British Columbia, was drafted 60th overall by the Washington Capitals in 1986. He played 35 games for the Capitals' AHL affiliate, and two games as a backup with Washington before injuries ended his career.
After retiring, Simpson served as a scout with
the Washington Capitals, and was eventually promoted to director of hockey operations, and GM of the team's AHL affiliate.
While Simpson left an indelible mark on the world of the NHL, his biggest game as a player was with Team Canada at the 1987 World Juniors where the entire squad was disqualified for being involved in the infamous "Punch-up in Piestany."
Our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Shawn Simpson. He will truly be missed and his loss will be greatly felt in the hockey world.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
JANVIER 30 | 1490 ANSWERS Former NHLer and Member of the Toronto Maple Leafs Family Tragically Passes Away Will the Ottawa Senators end up making the playoffs? |
Yes | 1116 | 74.9 % |
No | 374 | 25.1 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Dean Chaudhry Injured Forward Takes Huge Step Forward for Maple Leafs; Berube Provides Official Update |
|
5 hours ago | By Dean Chaudhry Canada's Brandon Hagel Dunks on Tkachuk Brothers Ahead of Rematch with Team USA |
|
8 hours ago | By Mike Armenti Team USA Shares Update on Auston Matthews, Announce Replacement for Charlie McAvoy |
|
9 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram Maple Leafs Officially Recall Toronto Marlies Standout Amid Hot Streak |
|
10 hours ago | By Mike Armenti Canada To Enter 4 Nations Face-Off With Advantage Over USA After Unfortunate Announcement |
|
11 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram Mitch Marner Falls Out of Favour With Team Canada Ahead of Rematch With USA |
|
12 hours ago | By Dean Chaudhry Team Finland Head Coach Reveals Who He Thinks Will Win Canada-USA Rematch |
|
13 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram Drew Doughty Issues Warning to Matthew Tkachuk Ahead of 4 Nations Face-Off Rematch |