The Deer Lake Red Wings have added a major piece to their lineup with the signing of veteran forward Jonathan Lessard for the upcoming season.
Lessard arrives in Deer Lake with an extensive hockey résumé that includes four seasons in the QMJHL, multiple seasons of professional hockey in North America and several years playing overseas.
During his major junior career, Lessard suited up for the Drummondville Voltigeurs, Acadie-Bathurst Titan and Baie-Comeau Drakkar. His most productive QMJHL season came in 2010–11 with Acadie-Bathurst, when he recorded 37 goals and 29 assists for 66 points in 62 games. He had also posted 64 points the previous season and later scored 27 goals in 50 games with Baie-Comeau.
Lessard then moved into the professional ranks, spending time with clubs including the San Francisco Bulls, Utah Grizzlies, Bakersfield Condors, Norfolk Admirals and Allen Americans. His 2013–14 season with Allen was particularly productive, as he registered 28 goals and 29 assists for 57 points in 62 regular-season games, before adding another 15 points in 17 playoff games.
His career later took him overseas to France’s Ligue Magnus, where he played with Angers, Bordeaux and Mulhouse. Lessard continued to contribute offensively while also bringing a physical edge, including a 28-point season with Angers in 2016–17 and multiple productive seasons with Bordeaux.
For the Red Wings, the addition brings more than just experience.
Lessard has built his game around playing with size and strength, while still possessing the ability to finish around the net. His combination of physical play, professional experience and scoring touch should give Deer Lake another strong presence up front.
With years of experience at the major junior, professional and international levels, Lessard becomes one of the most experienced additions to the Red Wings roster as the club prepares for the new season.
Welcome to Deer Lake and the CWSHL, Jonathan Lessard.