Messier makes presence count

BY SCOTT HADDOW

Every time former Sudbury Wolves player and current Mississauga Majors captain Jesse Messier steps on the ice he squeezes every last bit of energy out of himself. (The Majors are in town tonight to play Sudbury at 7:30 pm.)

He goes all out, all the time. In September 2004, while with Sudbury, Messier was checked into the boards during an exhibition games and fell awkwardly, suffering severe nerve damage in his neck.

For the following 18 months, Messier was out of hockey, seeing doctors and specialists to fix the damage. The outlook was bleak and he had to deal with the fact he might not play again. Messier proved everyone wrong and that miracles do happen as he made it back and became a strong contributor. At the trade deadline last season, Messier was packaged with picks to Toronto for Justin Donati.

The trade may have ended Messier's Wolves career, but it didn't stop him from excelling.

At the start of this year, Messier was named captain of the Mississauga Majors (they moved from Toronto).

"It's a big accomplishment...especially coming from a coach like Dave Cameron who is well respected in this league and has coached in the pros," the 19-year-old said. "It hasn't changed me...I still play the same way I always had. I do have to lead more on and off the ice...standing up and helping the younger players out."

Messier's attitude and resourcefulness has endeared him to the Majors' coaching staff.

"The way he approaches the game and his leadership qualities made it easy for us to put the C on his sweater," Cameron said. "We're trying to build structure and accountability on this team. Jesse has been great in that regard and has really helped out. He plays his hardest every shift whether it's on the road or at home."

In his first 27 games this season, Messier had seven goals and 19 points along with an even rating.

"I just want to set a good example every day...show young players what it takes to be prepared and compete," the 19-year-old said. "It's been a better season for us so far. We have a team that can compete with any team. We will only get better as the season wears on. We're looking to make the playoffs and keep up the success there."

In their first 27 games, Mississauga was 14-12-1-0, good for 29 points and fourth place in the Central Division.