Exit Interviews 2024-25: #19 Jamieson Rees

With the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs well underway and the Belleville Senators wading into the offseason, David Foot sat down with the players to reflect on a year filled with challenges, growth, and standout moments. In this exclusive series of year-in-review interviews, players open up about their personal journeys, team milestones, and what it meant to represent Belleville and the Bay of Quinte this season. From locker room highlights to on-ice battles, these conversations offer a behind-the-scenes look at the season that was — and a glimpse at what’s ahead.

Today, our guest is forward Jamieson Rees, who completed his first full season with the Senators, after being acquired at the 2024 trade deadline.

DF: You joined the team at the deadline last year and played 42 games here this year. How did you feel about your first full season with the Senators?

JR: I had some trouble with injuries that took me out for decent chunks of the season, but I felt like when I was in, I was able to get in some grooves. I found my game a little bit more this year, was able to make some more plays in the offensive zone and be a little bit more effective. I learned to play a bit more of a harder game. I’m still not where I want to be, but I learned a lot this year, and a lot of good things I can take into the summer.

DF: The injuries were difficult, but did help to at least be in one place this year and not bouncing around like you were last year?

JR: 100%. Being close to home is great, especially for me, being from Hamilton. I love it here. I love the city and had a great living situation with Petey (Oskar Pettersson) and Jorian (Donovan), and I enjoyed coming to the rink every day. It’s a great spot for me.

DF: We talked last year about the closeness in the group, but it seemed like it was the same again this year.

JR: Yeah, I think we had a really good group again. Lots of card games on the bus and the long road trips, it was lots of fun.

DF: Is there anywhere you were pleased to see some progression in your game this year, even though you were battling those injuries?

JR: I feel like my offensive zone work down low is getting back to where it needs to be. It was once a really strong part of my game, and I think below the goal line, I was able to find my vision back and have better body positioning in the corners.

DF: How does that all set you up for the summer, now, and trying to progress your game as much as you can, while you’re training in Hamilton?

JR: I just have to be ready to put some work in this summer. I still need to get stronger and faster, and that thing will just help to improve my game that much more. I need to be able to see the plays out of the corners, but if I can get stronger and quicker, it’s going to make things a lot easier to process.

DF: What else will you do to fill your time?

JR: I’ll definitely be getting out to the golf course a bit. I’ve got a couple of golf trips planned with the family. Maybe we’ll do a little vacation to Florida, or something. We’re still figuring it out.

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