Ontario Junior Hockey League resident writer Ron Valentine is profiling the 2024-25 team captains across The OJ.
BY RON VALENTINE
Eighteen-year old OWEN O’GRADY, from Brampton ON, has been named captain of the Western Conference Caledon Admirals for the 2024-25 campaign.
It’s Owen’s second year in an Admirals’ uniform. Last season he had 26 points in 40 games played, getting the winner, shorthanded in his first game. Owen is a graduate of the Brampton 45’s and Mississauga Rebels minor hockey organizations. He wears No. 11.
Head coach Chris Taylor on his new ‘C’: “Owen quickly emerged as our clear leader on the team last season. His habits and work ethic in games and practices are unmatched. He’s extremely talented and dedicated to getting better each and every day.”
Owen on his new role: “I’ve always tried to be a good leader but it was a pleasant surprise to be named captain. I did wear a letter before but I was 10 or 11 at the time. It will be a good challenge for me. Getting everyone pointed in the same direction is important. We are going to be a young team looking to make big improvements over last season.”
Though not a big player, Owen has lots of skill: “I’ve always liked to generate offence and I like being the set-up guy, of course scoring goals is nice too. I’m a hard worker at both ends of the rink and I’m looking forward to being a big points contributor this season.”
The goal for the Admirals is to get to the postseason. “We have several players who are going to have breakthrough seasons, especially Deacon King (22 points in 2023-24) who has been training hard in the off-season and knows the league now.”
Owen comes by his ability naturally. He has good bloodlines. His father, Tom, had 106 points for the Bramalea Blues in the 1993-94 season and played at NCAA Division I Merrimack before embarking on a long professional career in Germany.
“I would love to follow in my father’s footsteps” the new ‘C’ noted. A strong season for the Admirals will help his profile.
The Admirals play on opening night of the OJHL’s 2024-25 season, hosting the Toronto Patriots on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Mayfield Recreation Complex.
Follow Ron Valentine on X @ronandlynda
