ECHL: Michael Simpson Heads To The NCAA

Originally posted on Inside The Rink
By Armand Klisivitch | Last updated Jan 11, 2026 7:51 PM ET

Goaltender Michael Simpson is heading to the NCAA, as he’ll be joining Providence College after being released by the Charlotte Checkers. Simpson, 22, went 3-5-1 with a 2.63 GAA and .909SV% in 10 games with the Savannah Ghost Pirates. The London, Ontario, native was in his second professional season after spending his rookie season with the Orlando Solar Bears and Belleville Senators. In 10 AHL games with Belleville, he went 4-3 with a 3.45 GAA and .880SV%. During his time with the Solar Bears, he went 3-1 with a 2.13 GAA, .926SV%, and one shutout. Simpson joins a handful of players from the AHL/ECHL who have taken the NCAA route.

ROSTER ADD ➡️ Michael Simpson (G)

The two-time OHL champion (2023, 2024) and OHL playoff MVP (2023) will join the program for the second half.

Welcome to Friartown, Michael! pic.twitter.com/66hv2ey0es
— PC Men's Hockey (@FriarsHockey) January 11, 2026

Simpson’s Stats

Prior to going pro, Simpson spent three seasons in the OHL with the Peterborough Petes and London Knights. During his two seasons with the Petes, he went 46-43-6 with a 3.16 GAA, .903SV%, and six shutouts. In 16 playoff games with Peterborough, Simpson had a 16-11 record with a 3.25 GAA and .907SV%. In 2023, he led the Petes to an OHL Championship, where he went 24-22-2 with a 2.73 GAA, .914SV%, and five shutouts. His five shutouts would lead the OHL, and he would be named the OHL Playoff MVP. Simpson spent his last season in the OHL with the London Knights, going 34-10-1 with a 2.61 GAA, 905SV%, and four shutouts. He would lead the OHL in SV% and would be named to the Most Outstanding Goaltender during the Memorial Cup after winning his second straight OHL Championship.

This article first appeared on Inside The Rink and was syndicated with permission.

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