When SFU takes the ice this season, they’ll do it without defenceman Jesse Williamson who is stepping away from competitive hockey due to the lingering effects from a concussion he sustained last season.

” Making the decision to step away from competitive hockey was not an easy one. I had a lot of help from my closest friends and my parents, along with advice from several doctors that made it easier to accept. This most recent concussion left me with symptoms long after the incident; some of which are still present. All these things made my decision to retire a lot easier to make.”

When asked what he would miss the most Williamson added, ” I will miss the locker room and seeing the guys every day. It’s that camaraderie that I will miss the most. I will miss the game too, but nothing beats the relationships you make in hockey.”

While losing one of his top defencemen will hurt the team, SFU Head Coach Mark Coletta knows some things are more important than hockey ” We have to remember, these are young men and that their well being is of the utmost importance and we support Jesse and his decision 100%.”

Williamson’s play on the ice was exceeded by the impact he had on the team in the locker room, which is something Coach Coletta spoke to ” Willy has been a fantastic player for us on and off the ice. He will be missed this season but hopefully will stay close to the program and help out in some capacity, In all my years of coaching Willy has to be the most liked guy on any team, players kind of gravitate towards him, he is a great kid and will finish school and be very successful in the future.”

In three seasons playing for SFU Hockey, WIlliamson had 32 points in 62 regular season games, while being a key member of the SFU defense core.  He will continue to study at SFU as he works towards completing his degree.

SFU Hockey staff would like to thank Jesse for his contributions to the program, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.