Oliver Paipoonge, ON - The Kam River Fighting Walleye are pleased to announce the hiring of Jesse Messier as the club’s new head coach.
The 35 year old native of Keswick, Ontario, is coming off a 4-year stint as an assistant coach with the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL. Prior to his time coaching in the major junior ranks, he was an assistant with the York University men’s hockey team from 2015 to 2019.
“The Fighting Walleye organization is ecstatic to have a coach of Jesse’s calibre join us,” said Kam River President Derek Geddes. “After meeting with him it was clear he was the right man to lead our team.”
Before stepping into coaching, Messier had a long and successful playing career which included 4 seasons in the OHL, split between the Sudbury Wolves and St.Michael’s Majors. In all, he played 182 OHL games and posted 125 points.
Fighting Walleye General Manager Kevin McCallum is excited to have the hockey veteran Messier at the helm of his club. “First off, I'd like to thank all the candidates that applied, as we were overwhelmed by the quality and experience of the resumes we received,” McCallum said. “It was clear after my first chat with Jesse that he was eager to be our next head coach, and through our discussions it was evident that he was exactly what we were looking for. The talks with Jesse over that time period proved his desire and dedication to his craft. Anytime you can bring in a motivated, proven winner, both as a player and a coach, I believe you have something. Our organization and players are excited for this upcoming season and it's possibilities. I believe we have found another coach that will climb the ladder and achieve all of his goals behind the bench,” said McCallum.
After finishing his junior playing career, Messier suited up for five seasons for York University, including two as team captain. He was named to the OUA West All-Rookie team in 2009-10, and the OUA West 2nd All-Star team in 2011-12. In total, Messier had 130 points in 135 CIS (now known as USports) games. Messier finished off his playing career in 2015, playing 60 games in the ECHL for Toledo and Allen.
“I am extremely grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to lead the Kam River Fighting Walleye next season,” said Messier. “I’d like to thank Kevin, Derek, Colin, and Dale for their trust in me to continue growing the championship culture they have built with the Fighting Walleye program. It was apparent early on in our conversations that this is an extremely passionate group and our values and visions aligned. I am excited to get to work developing these young men on and off the ice as we chase our goal of the Bill Salonen Cup and ultimately, a Centennial Cup,” he concluded.