The hockey universe was shocked at the unfortunate passing of Shawn Simpson, a long-time television personality and one-term general manager for the NHL. With a wealth of in-game knowledge and a larger-than-life personality, Simpson was not merely a television personality but a beloved personality in the sport.
The loss pained and shocked fellow professionals and former players, none of whom took a deeper blow than past NHL player and Real In Heat co-presenter Jason York. On Real Kyper & Bourne, York shared tender observations regarding Simpson’s mental struggles and contribution to the hockey community. “Very, very sad news. And Sean had been pretty open,” York continued. “I don’t know any information about what happened, but he was part of our community in terms of rehabilitation. He was a genuinely positive individual who hoped for positive for everyone.”
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Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne both saluted Simpson, recalling him for being truthful about his battles and checking in with everyone regularly for direction. Kypreos urged everyone who continued to suffer to seek direction, citing community, transparency, and resolution for mental afflictions.
They empathized with Simpson for opening up about his ordeal. With his platform, he shed new light on mental health in sports, particularly for such high-strung performers and performers-turned-commentators.
The NHL community reflects on Simpson’s Legacy
The loss of Simpson renewed a critical conversation—NHL and general sports mental wellness. As everyone is aware of the physical price one pays for playing hockey, not enough ever comes out about the mental toll of competing at a high level. York emphasized that Simpson’s transparency helped open doors, and it became easier to speak about battles for both personalities and players in the press. The NHL community started putting mental provisions at a high level, with programs both started by the NHLPA and individual groups working towards positively supporting both personalities in the press and players.
The hockey community displayed its tribute in full, with observers, critics, and former players offering praise for Simpson for his dedication to the sport and for opening up about mental wellness. The Ottawa Senators took a moment of silence during a recent game, a reflection of his contribution to the group and its followers.
Mental disease in hockey is not new, but with leaders like Simpson speaking out, increasingly, players and media have been encouraged to speak out about concerns. NHL teams have begun to implement enhanced mental wellness programs, both acknowledging and taking into consideration both the psychological and emotional toll of high-performance settings in sports.
Shawn Simpson’s impact reaches well beyond the broadcast studio. His work in mental health, humanity, and integrity touched lives in a lasting manner in the hockey community. Such a loss is painful, yet at the same time, it is a reminder of having a support system, open dialogue, and a community in sports.
His passing will have everyone, including fellow NHLers, friends, and admirers, in mourning, but his life will continue to have a lasting impact in altering the NHL—and, in fact, all of sports’ strategies for mental wellness.
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