Dedication, hard work, and passion are all qualities that we possess but for North Bay's Jesse Kirkby, they are more than words, they are a testament to what one can accomplish. These words reflect his journey of soaring to incredible heights throughout his hockey career.

Although the past several hockey seasons have been hamstrung due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022-2023 season has been all about new experiences for the 6’2 right winger, who joined a new team this year down in Texas with the Lone Star Brahmas of the North American Hockey League (NAHL); a tier two junior A hockey league with teams across the United States.  

“The Brahmas reached out to me last year after our season was over and expressed their interest and offered me a tender. A tender is a process in which you sign for a team for them to own playing rights. I had talked to a couple of other teams but ultimately it was an easy decision because of their reputation as a first-class organization”

After spending the last three seasons with the Pembroke Lumber Kings, Kirkby has had some injury troubles but is taking full advantage of the learning experience with his new team.

“So far, my time with Brahmas has been awesome," said Kirkby, who initially went to Texas with long-time teammate and friend Reece Proulx, who came back to Canada early in the season and is playing for the OJHL's Pickering Panthers. 

"Unfortunately, right now I’m out with an injury but overall, my time has been very enjoyable," he said.

"There have been some adjustments not only on the ice but off the ice as well. The way we are expected to play every game and the systems we use have been a lot different than the teams I have been on in the past.”

Kirkby had the rare experience of playing with three of his former Trapper teammates in Pembroke but is embracing the opportunity to make new connections on a team full of new faces.

“Having some familiar faces around makes it a lot easier to feel comfortable right away but, being able to meet new people allows you to create more friendships along the way. We have a great group of guys on our team which made it a lot easier walking into a room full of new people.”

Although he has found success down south,  Kirkby still remembers where he came from and who helped him attain these heights.

“My family, coaches and teammates have all helped me to get where I am today. My parents have always helped me stay motivated in times when I needed the push to keep going. I am grateful for everyone that has helped me along the way.”

A former North Bay Trapper who played seven years in the North Bay program cherishes his time spent, lessons learned, and all the memories that came from his time there including a Great North U18 League championship and a silver medal at the U18 AAA OHF's in 2019. 

Jesse has had a career filled with success. His journey is one that can inspire youth to achieve their dreams, one that has the perfect ingredients to produce a great role model.

Much like former teammates Ben Brunette (UMass-Lowell) and Jack Stockfish (Holy Cross), Kirkby is hoping to finish the season strong and secure an NCAA Division I hockey scholarship.