CHL Mississippi RiverKings

Two-time All-Star defenseman joins RiverKings

July 12, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN --- Memphis RiverKings Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin McClelland announced today that the Central Hockey League team has signed veteran defenseman Jason Tessier (TESS ee ay) for the 2006-2007 season. Tessier was a CHL All Star in 2002 with the El Paso Buzzards and in 2005 with the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees.

"I am really looking forward to returning to the states to play hockey and be a RiverKing," Tessier said. "I was excited when coach McClelland called me. He treated me with respect through the process and I appreciate that."

After five seasons in the CHL with El Paso (2000-2003) and Rio Grande Valley (2003-2005), the St. Jerome, Quebec native played last season in Italy, scoring three goals and collecting nine assists in 45 games.

In his five seasons with the Buzzards and Bees, the 6-foot-1, 205 pound Tessier played in 318 games, scored 46 goals, collected 56 assists and totaled 416 penalty minutes. He was a finalist for CHL Most Outstanding Defenseman after the 2003-2004 season. In the 2005 All Star Game in Laredo, he scored a goal and notched an assist in the Southern Conference's 14-13 loss. His goal was the only one by a Southern Conference defenseman in the game.

"I would describe myself as a solid defenseman that can also jump into the play and create offense," Tessier said. "But, I am not afraid to deliver a body check or get involved with the rough stuff, either."

Prior to his pro career, Tessier played three seasons with Rouyn Noranda in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League where he scored 12 goals with 34 assists for 46 points in 164 games.

With his 363 professional games played, the 26 year old is over the CHL 280 game veteran status threshold. He is the second veteran signed for the season so far, joining Derek Landmessser. According to CHL rules, teams can have up to four veterans on its roster.

The RiverKings now have 10 players signed for the upcoming 2006-2007 season.

Travis Banga F

Derek Campbell F

Eric Frank F

Bobby Gates D

Ryan Held F

Derek Landmesser D

Larry Sterling G

Jason Tessier D

Sheldon Wenzel F

Chad Wilcox F

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The RiverKings celebrate their 15th Anniversary in 2006-2007. The season and home opener is Friday, October 20.

Season tickets for the 2006-2007 season are available now. Call 662-342-1755 and reserve your seat at the DeSoto Civic Center for all the action.



Central Hockey League Stories from July 12, 2006


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