Matt Puempel named GM and Head Coach of 73's
The Essex 73’s are proud to announce an exciting new chapter in our organization’s history.
We are pleased to share that Mike Pailey has been promoted from General Manager to Director of Hockey Operations & Governor. Pailey, who spent six years serving as the club’s General Manager, will now oversee all hockey-related operations as we continue to build a championship-calibre program.
In addition, the organization has made the decision to move in a new direction at both the General Manager and Head Coach positions.
We are excited to welcome Essex native, Matt Puempel, as the team’s new Head Coach and General Manager. The 33-year-old former NHL player served as an assistant coach with the 73’s last season and will now step into a dual leadership role. Puempel will work closely alongside Pailey to build a team in Essex that will compete for championships year after year.
"Matt is the perfect guy to take the reins here in Essex," said Pailey. "I am excited to work alongside him and our organization is extremely fortunate to have someone of his caliber to lead the team."
Puempel becomes the first outright General Manager and Head Coach for the 73’s since Les Garrod in the 1996-97 season.
"I am extremely excited and grateful for this opportunity," said Puempel, who retired last season from professional hockey after a 12-year career. "Being from Essex, I recognize how much this organization—and its success—means locally, and I take great pride in representing the Essex 73’s."
This transition marks the conclusion of the second coaching tenure of long-time 73’s legend Tony Piroski. After an incredible nine-season run from 2002–2010, where he led the team to seven league titles and three Ontario championships, Piroski returned behind the bench 18 games into the 2023-24 season where he took the 73’s to the league finals. He guided the team to a league championship in 2024-25 and a Schmalz Cup Finals appearance, and followed that up with another league final appearance this past season.
"The organization is moving in the right direction," said Piroski. "Matt checks all the boxes. With Essex being his hometown, as well as his hockey experience, and he's a great person off the ice, the 73s are fortunate to have him."
The Essex 73’s organization would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Tony Piroski and his staff for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence. His impact on this organization and community is immeasurable, and he played a vital role in reestablishing a winning tradition in Essex.
"I have a ton of respect for Tony and his staff," Pailey said. "When you think about top coaches in junior hockey, his name is at the top. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him for the past 3 seasons and I am truly grateful for everything he has brought to the organization."
The organization thanks Tony and his staff for their many contributions and wish them nothing but continued success in the future.
Register to tryout for the Essex 73's
Essex 73's Spring Camp is May 25th and May 27th at the Essex Centre Sports Complex from 7-10 PM both nights...
Includes Official Camp Jersey & 2 Guaranteed Skates.