Military runs deep for Jesse Lussier

A defenceman for the Halifax Mooseheads, 20-year-old Jesse Lussier has strong military ties, making times such as Remembrance Day that much more important. From Petawawa, ON, he travelled often as a kid with his Dad, his most influential person, who served in the Canadian Armed Forces. While his Dad fought in places such as Afghanistan, his brother was a trooper for the Royal Canadian Dragoons and he then had a few more different family members serve over the years. Needless to say, when the Mooseheads visited the National War Memorial in Ottawa on October 23rd to pay their respects to Nathan Cirillo before playing the Gatineau Olympiques, it was an important moment.

"“I always think about my dad or my brother or my uncle, for one, I’m glad it’s not them, but for two, it makes me so proud of what they do.”"

Jesse started playing AA in 2008 and played for various teams such as the Hawkesbury Hawks and the Kemptville 73’s. His dad played as a forward for the University of New Brunswick, so Jesse started out as a  forward until he moved to Cole Harbour. For the wings, he was the only player who could skate backwards, so being a defenceman was the position he committed to. Originally contemplating the NCAA route, he travelled to Halifax instead when, Memorial Cup winner and Florida Panthers prospect, Mac Weeger gave him a call. It became a great decision for Lussier who is now a veteran with the team. He had 19 points in 59 games in the 2013-14 regular season, and has a memorable game-winning OT goal against Val d’Or in game three of the semi-finals under his belt.

"“Thank you for the tremendous support this past season and I think we may surprise and turn a lot of heads this coming season, and with our coaching staff, they can turn any group of guys into a great hockey team.”"

As well as playing an important role on the ice, Jesse takes time to contribute to the community. Recently, on November 5th, he visited the IWK children’s hospital, signing autographs and hanging out with the patients and their families. He also participated in the Hockey Night in Canada’s Play On tournament along with current and former Mooseheads. The 2014-15 season is proving to be a tougher start for Lussier, who broke his wrist in the season opener and has only played five games so far. Looking for the next win, his favourite time of the year is hockey season, which continues for the Halifax Mooseheads November 12th at home against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.