NEWS

Ontario Junior Hockey League resident writer Ron Valentine is profiling the 2022-23 team captains of The OJ. (Photo by Christian Bender / OJHL Images)

BY RON VALENTINE

Port Credit native J.P.Moreira came back home last season to play for the Mississauga Chargers. He’s the captain of the club for 2022-23.

The veteran blueliner started the 2021-22 season with the Collingwood Blues. His previous junior clubs have included the Georgetown Raiders (just two games) and the NOJHL's Cochrane Crunch. 

Last season was not a memorable one for the Chargers; they managed to win just seven times and only twice on the road. But at this time of the year, hope springs eternal and J.P. sees no reason why his club cannot be a contener this season.

"It's very early yet but from what I have seen so far we will have a much better season." the big defenceman notes. "I'm glad to be playing near my home but having said that I really enjoyed my time in Cochrane. It was probably my favourite year of junior hockey so far. We won our first playoff round against the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners and it looked like we were set to go on a good run but unfortunately the rest of the playoffs were cancelled due to COVID-19."

"I had some injury problems last season both at the start and end of my time with the Chargers. I ended up playing just 22 games here. I have always enjoyed leadership roles and did get to wear the 'A' last season, which I did not expect but was very happy about. I had a letter in my minor hockey career with the Toronto Nationals and Missisauga Senators and Rebels. I took a lot of penalties (J.P. was second in the OJHL with 120, including 106 with the Chargers) and I would not stand back if one of my teammates got run over. I'll defend my guys always but going into this season I want to keep my physical edge but I would also like to cut down on the penalty minutes, especially the unnecessary ones like a last slash in a confrontation. Playing smarter will give me more of a chance to get on the ice on special teams and show my skating and playmaking skills. I'm definitely not a big goal scorer but love to set up my teammates."

"Injuries happen to all teams in this sport but it really seemed that the Chargers got more than their share and that, combined, with a lot of player movement, made for a tough time overall. I just hope that I will get 54 games in in my final junior season. I can easily handle 30 to 35 minutes a game and love to be in the action. My goal is to play hockey at the college level next season so this is a very important year for me as it is for the whole team."

"I'm an active guy and when I'm not playing hockey I'm involved in lots of sports- skiing, surfing, boxing and car racing. It's all good with my coach as long as I'm ready to play on the ice. Joe (Washkurak) is my kind of coach; he stresses the fundamentals, he works hard on keeping us together and he can share jokes with the players but also he makes it known when he's not happy with us." 

"There will not be a ton of pressure on us this season but our goal is to get respect from all the teams and to work together and if we do that good things will happen."

The last word from coach Joe, who has guided the team since the 2012-13 campaign:

"J.P. has been a leader since he came to our team from Collingwood last season. He is very good with the younger players and is not afraid to step up and say things that need to be said. He has worked very hard in the off-season and he should be one of the top D's in the OJHL, in my opinion. He is liked by his teammates and will always stick up for them. We are happy to have him."

The 2-8-0-0 Chargers are in Lindsay Friday night and home to Wellington Saturday.

Follow Ron Valentine on Twitter @ronandlynda