Long road home

BY SCOTT HADDOW

In his first 18 years of life, Sudbury Wolves winger Jesse Messier never once questioned his desire to play hockey, not even after a neck injury threatened his career 18 months ago.

In Sept. 2004, Messier, then 16, was playing in an exhibition game against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds when he was hit into the boards head first.

Messier, thanks to his thick frame, didn't suffer a broken neck but had plenty of nerve damage.

At the time and during the long months that followed, Messier battled against the odds to keep his dream of playing hockey from vanishing right before his eyes.

"I wasn't going to give up on my dream of playing hockey in the OHL," said Messier. "Even when it first happened, I never got down about it or said

why me? I never accepted the fact I wouldn't play hockey again."

Messier made his return last Sunday against the Mississauga IceDogs, and it meant the world to the rugged forward.

"It meant a lot to me to play in that game," said the 2004 second round draft pick. "I wasn't expecting to get back in the regular season, maybe the playoffs. It felt great to get that game under my belt in front of the hometown fans. I was a little slow out there as the game wore on...But it was amazing."

Messier has no reservations about playing one of the most intensely physical games in the world of sports: one where injuries are as common as dull skates.

He also promised himself that he wouldn't change his style of play either, which is a no-nonsense, go-hard game.

"There's no fears," said the Keswick native. "I am going to play the same game I have always played. I wouldn't be here if I couldn't play the same way. I like to play along the boards and in the corners. I am not going to become a perimeter player just because of one incident. I am here because of the way I have played my whole life, so why would I change it now? I am no more prone to injury than anyone else. It's just part of the game,

knowing that could happen one day. You keep playing and hope for the best. I don't let it sit in my mind and change what I do on the ice."

Messier has already made a positive impact on the team.

"We're really happy for him," said head coach and GM Mike Foligno. "He's a player that can snipe a goal every now and then. As he gets in better shape, he will be able to compete even harder. His first game, he lasted about half a game. It's slowly coming. It's not easy to jump right back into it...He's doing it. He's working harder than the other guys on and off the ice because he's behind them. He's provided an inspirational boost for the club.

Players should be inspired by what he's accomplished in such a short while. We hope it will give us a lift as we move forward."

Messier has plenty of talents to offer.

"Jesse's an unbelievable accurate shooter," said Foligno. "He has a quick release. Hopefully he will be able to display that talent."

Before he could get back on the ice, Messier had to sign waiver documents to play again.

"It's not really a legal waiver," said the six-foot tall forward. "It's something between me and the league. It's not cutting me out of any insurance policies. It was just to make sure everything was taken care of. I am medically cleared to play. I wouldn't be back if I wasn't. I didn't want to do something stupid just to play hockey. Of course I love the game, but having a healthy, long life is the best thing to have."

Being away from the game he loves so much for so long was taxing.

"Staying mentally focused was the toughest part," said Messier. "The whole time I knew I wanted to come back, so that was tough. I had support from the Wolves organization, my teammates, family and friends. I can't say enough about the Wolves and their help. My parents (Wendy and Roger) were at my side the whole time and helped me fight through it all. I didn't have to do rehab at all. I just hit the gym and trained really hard to stay in shape."

Messier is ready to prove his worth for the rest of the season and in the playoffs.

"I just want a regular shift as I get back into game shape," said the 190-pound winger. "I want to help the team win anyway I can. The Wolves don't

expect me to jump in and be a saviour. I am just thankful to be back here."