FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, Ontario – September 2, 2025 – The Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jesse Winchester as League Commissioner, effective September 3, 2025.
A graduate of the CCHL, Winchester played three seasons with the Cornwall Colts (2001–2004) before attending Colgate University, where he spent four years as a standout student-athlete. Following his collegiate career, Winchester played professionally in the National Hockey League before returning to the CCHL in a coaching capacity with the Brockville Braves. His tenure behind the bench was highlighted by consecutive Coach of the Year Awards (2017–18 and 2018–19), underscoring his leadership and ability to develop talent. Recently, Jesse has been working with the Ottawa Senators as part of the Hockey Operations Department, where he spent five seasons (2019–2024) building the club’s Player Development program.
“With strong ties to the CCHL and a proven track record at both the NCAA and NHL levels, Jesse brings a wealth of experience and unparalleled insight to this role,” said Sue Collis, Chair of the CCHL. “His long experience with player development, and deep understanding and passion for the game makes Jesse the ideal candidate to lead the CCHL in this rapidly evolving hockey landscape. Bringing Jesse on board was the obvious choice, unanimously supported by all teams.”
As outlined by Jesse, “The CCHL has played an important role in my hockey journey—first as a player with the Cornwall Colts and later as a coach with the Brockville Braves. It’s an honor to return to the league in this new role, and I look forward to supporting the players, teams, and communities that make this league so special.”
The CCHL is a proud member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) and Hockey Canada. As a development-focused league for elite student-athletes aged 16–20, the CCHL has established itself as the premier pathway in the region for players advancing to higher levels of hockey, including collegiate, major junior, and professional opportunities.
With Winchester at the helm, the league reaffirms its commitment to competition, growth, and player development, with a vision to uphold and enhance the CCHL’s tradition of excellence both on and off the ice.
