MISSISSAUGA, ON – The Mississauga Steelheads are proud to announce the new leadership group for the remainder of the 2022-23 season, which includes co-captains James Hardie and Charlie Callaghan, and assistant captain Chas Sharpe. Hardie will wear the “C” for home games and Callaghan will be the captain for away games.
Head Coach and General Manager James Richmond quoted on the latest appointments. “It’s only natural that James and Charlie wear the ‘C’ for the Steelheads. Both have been character teammates over the five years they’ve worn the blue and white and deserve to be recognized as the leaders of this group. I’ve been fortunate enough to watch their progression into the young men and players they’ve become. I really couldn’t be happier to announce James Hardie and Charlie Callaghan as Steelheads Captains!”
After being selected by the team in the first round (#8 overall) of the 2018 OHL Draft, captain James Hardie has been a huge asset to the team. The Innisfil native set several franchise records last season, including single-season points by a forward (77), single-season shots on goal (289), and game-winning goals (17). Just this past Sunday, he tied two more franchise records with 114 career goals and 207 career points. This season, the left-winger has registered 45 points including 24 goals, good enough for 5th-place in the OHL in goals scored. He also leads the team in plus/minus with a record of +17.
“I am truly honoured to be named captain of the Mississauga Steelheads for the remainder of the season.” said new captain Hardie. “I have been with this organization since I was 16 years old and I am proud to finish my OHL career here with such a prestigious title. I’m super excited to lead this team into the second half!”
Co-captain Charlie Callaghan has spent his entire career with Mississauga. The Toronto native has been a staple in the Steelheads lineup since the 2018-19 season, bringing toughness and grit in every game he hits the ice. So far this season, the defenceman has already tied his previous career-highs in points (16) and has surpassed his previous career-high in assists (9) with 11 tallied this year. Callaghan also plays a crucial role on the special teams units, registering two power play goals and a shorthanded goal this season.
“Being named captain of the Mississauga Steelheads is very special to me and my family.” Callaghan described, “To be able to share the captaincy with one of my best friends in James Hardie makes it just that much more special. We started our OHL careers together at 16 and it’s surreal to be able to end our careers here in Mississauga sharing the ‘C’.”
Promoted to an assistant captain role is Chas Sharpe. The Orillia native was originally selected in the third round (#60 overall) in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. The blueliner has had a breakout year, and already is just seven points shy of his career-best (28). The 6’2 defenceman leads all Steelheads defenders in points with 21 and is second on the team in this category. He ranks first on the team in power play goals with four this season and second in the Steelheads lineup in assists (17).
“It’s a huge honour to be named the assistant captain.” stated Sharpe, “We have a special group here, and I really think we can surprise a ton of people. I look forward to help lead our young group of talented players, and I’m really looking forward to the future”
Congratulations to the new leadership group for the second half of this season!
