73’s name new Head Coach and General Manager

73’s name new Head Coach and General Manager

by Garrett Fodor

The Essex 73’s is heading into the 2026–27 season with a new voice behind the bench and a focus on continuing to build.

  On Thursday, the club announced Essex native Matt Pumpel as the new Head Coach and General Manager. In a corresponding move, Mike Pailey will transition from General Manager to Governor and Director of Hockey Operations.

  “I think now was the right time for moves like this,” Pailey said. “I spoke with Tony before Matt was brought on board last October, and we were all on the same page, along with the Board. People like Matt don’t come along often, and he checks all of the boxes: being from Essex, playing professionally, including in the NHL. He’s a great guy with extensive experience and is eager to get going. We all agreed we thought this was the best move for the organization moving forward.”

  Pumpel, 33, joined the 73’s last October as an Assistant Coach under Tony Piroski, working with the forwards and power-play. The Essex native was a first-round pick in the 2011 NHL Draft and went on to play parts of 13 professional seasons, including 87 NHL games.

  While he never suited up for the 73’s, Pumpel understands what the team means to the community.

  “To be from Essex, it’s incredible. Over the last 20-years, the game has changed so much, but the one thing that hasn’t changed is how passionate the fans are,” Pumpel said.

  “I’ve always known that I wanted to get into coaching after my playing career. For the timing to work out here and when the Board presented the opportunity, it’s really special. I didn’t play for the 73’s, but I understand the mindset, junior hockey, and what every one of those players is going through, and just the highs and lows of it all. So, I look forward to being able to share my knowledge and experiences.”

  Pumpel credited Pailey, Piroski, and the rest of the staff for helping ease his transition into coaching last season, when he was gradually introduced to the role.

  “To be a part of the staff last season with so much experience was a tremendous opportunity. I’m thankful to Tony [Piroski], Mike [Pailey], and the entire staff,” Pumpel said. “They provided me a chance to come along slowly and find my footing, and it was really beneficial for me. I’m grateful to Tony for helping me to transition into this role, knowing if I need anything, he’s there for me, and I’m thankful for his vote of confidence.”

  As preparations for the new season get underway, Pumpel and Pailey share a vision focused on both individual development and team success. The 73’s still have a handful of roster spots to fill, and Pumpel plans to begin scouting local skates ahead of rookie camp on May 25 and May 27.

While he noted that his system will depend on the players he assembles, Pumpel said he wants his team to play with speed and aggression, with a stronger emphasis on transition play out of their own end.

  Looking ahead, Pumpel is also working to finalize his staff and strengthen connections across the hockey world, including in the OHL and Junior B ranks.

  “I’m still in touch with a lot of OHL teams, and they all know the Essex 73’s,” Pumpel said. “It is definitely an organization that has a lot of value and holds a lot of weight in the junior hockey community. I’m extremely excited and looking forward to being a part of this and continuing to work towards something that the town can be proud of.”