Two Tragedies Pause Capitals vs Senators Game as Devastated NHL Stars Mourn America’s Loss

All eyes are on Washington DC. The devastating mid-air crash between American Airlines Flight 5342 and an army helicopter near the Reagan National Airport on Wednesday has plunged the nation into mourning. But for the NHL community, this isn’t the only tragedy it’s having to deal with. Instead, hockey fans are just as heartbroken by the passing of one of their own recently.

The Ottawa Senators host the Washington Capitals at the Canadian Tire Centre tonight. But instead of the cheer of an excited crowd, the puck drop was preceded by silence to remember and honor the victims of the Washington plane crash and an NHL legend. While the accident was justifiably a massive blow to the guts, the demise of NHL legend and former Capitals goalie Shawn “Simmers” Simpson is another heartbreak hockey fans are dealing with right now. The Senators took to X to extend their sympathies for the grieving families via an X post on January 30.

“Our heart goes out to all those affected by this devastating event,” the PA of the Canadian Tire Centre announces. Along with that, the arena also took the opportunity to remember Simpson, who was the 1986 3rd-round draft pick by the Capitals. “We now ask that you join us in a moment of silence in their memory,” the PA once again announced with a sonorous boom, as the giant screen showed the message, “In memory of Shawn Simpson,” who was a beloved member of the Ottawa community. The post’s accompanying video showed NHL stars from both the Capitals and Senators respectfully observing the silence – their faces lined with pain and grief.

The announcer also noted how Simpson was a “passionate mental health advocate,” and dedicated his life to helping those who struggled without being seen from the outside. While his NHL career wasn’t considered among the greatest in the history of the league, Simpson’s extensive involvement in different roles for the betterment of the sport earned him an incredible following among the fans. From serving as a professional scout for the Portland Pirates to being the director of hockey operations for the Capitals, Simpson’s activities went well beyond the ice and his short professional career.

Soon after the tragic news of Shawn’s untimely passing was announced, fans took to social media to share their grief. Apart from the NHL, another sporting community also recently lost its own recently.

Bright futures lost in the plane crash over Washington

The accursed American Airlines flight and the army helicopter collided in the air and both aircraft fell into the Potomac River. There were 64 passengers in the airplane, while the helicopter was carrying three army personnel. As of Thursday morning, several deceased bodies have been recovered, with many still missing. “This was a dark and excruciating night in our nation’s capital and in our nation’s history, and a tragedy of terrible proportions. As one nation, we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly,” President Donald Trump said about the harrowing incident. But there was another piece of information that rocked the USA’s sports fans once more when it came to light.

The flight, coming into Washington from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying multiple US figure skating stars who were returning from the US National Figure Skating Championships. Among them were two teenage figure skating prodigies Spencer Lane and Jinna Han of the Skating Club of Boston. Club director Doug Zeghibe described both Spencer and Jinna as “leaders” at the club. Underscoring their dedication to the sport, he recollected how they would sometimes spend all seven days of the week at the club’s facilities honing their skating skills.

The USOPC took to Instagram to mourn the tragic loss, writing, “We stand in solidarity with our fellow athletes and coaches and all Americans during this incredibly difficult time.” First, the California wildfires, and now the deadly plane crash and the loss of a beloved NHL community member, 2025 continues to spell tragedy.