Born into a Chilean soccer family, Joaquin Gonzalez ‘is the true definition of what it is to be a Muskie’
Ontario Junior Hockey League resident writer Ron Valentine is profiling the 2025-26 team captains across The OJ.
BY RON VALENTINE
Leading LIndsay on the ice again this season is JOAQUIN GONZALEZ who is in his third year as a Muskie. He started his junior career with the GOJHL’s Sarnia Legionnaires and Komoka Kings in the 2022-23 season after graduating from the Alliance minor hockey system.
Over the last two campaigns, he recorded 50 points for the Muskies. The 20-year-old London-born forward brings both strong offense and defence to the club.
The 3-2-1-0 Muskies are in the thick of the East Conference standings. Gonzales has a goal and three assists in those six games.
Gonzalez was named captain of the Muskies last season following the departure of Nate Taylor in Late November. Taylor went to the BCHL’s Cowichan Valley Capitals and is now with the OJHL’s Stouffville Spirit.
On March 10 he was named club MVP. The team announcement read: “He is always competing, giving 110 per cent in the game no matter what the score, the type of player you hate to play against but want on your team.”
“He plays at full tilt and always puts his teammates first. He is very involved in all community relations and very popular at our schools and boys and girls clubs.”
Head coach Brendan O’Grady: “Chapo, as he is known in Lindsay, is the heart and soul of our club. Both on and off ice, he is our leader. He plays at full tilt and always puts his teammates first. He is very involved in all community relations and very popular at our schools and boys and girls clubs. Chapo is the true definition of what it is to be a Muskie. We will be very young this year so he will be an extension of our coaching staff and we are excited to see what the season will bring.”
‘Chapo’ did not start skating until the ripe old age of seven: “My family is from Chile so soccer was always, and still is, the top sport, but they have been very supportive of me in hockey. With this being my last season in the OJHL I’m really setting my sights on U SPORTS. I graduated with honours from high school and I’ve already had some preliminary talks to Canadian schools but first things first – it’s getting into the playoffs this season.”
“We thought we had a good chance at a playoff spot last season but some unexpected ‘moving parts’ set us back a bit and it took time for us to get rolling again. This year we have a dialed-in young group, some new workout regimens and we are hungry. The younger guys are quickly adapting to hockey at the junior level and seeing the commitment that is required on and off the ice in the OJHL. Conditioning and emphasis on team defence are a big focus for us this season. I try to set an example on the ice by my work. My greatest attribute, I think, is my determination.”
“When Nate left us last November it was a big honour for me to be named the captain. I’ve had lots of experience throughout my career as an assistant but wearing the ‘C’ is very special. It comes with a lot of responsibility which I like.”
Assistant captains for the Muskies this season are Nick Galeazza, Vincent Gazquez, Cole MacLean, Ajay Rai and Nole Faulkner. Galeazza will be an A for all games. The other four will alternate home and away. Galeazza, 19, a blueliner is in his third season in Lindsay, Gazquez is in his final junior season up front, MacLean is an 18 year-old D in his second season, Rai and Faulkner, forwards, also 18 are also in their second year with the Muskies.
The players and the fans are eager for playoff action to return to Lindsay. The last time they were involved in postseason play was in 2012, but this might be the year they all have something to celebrate.
The Muskies host the St. Michael’s Buzzers Friday at 7 p.m. at the Lindsay Recreation Complex.
Follow Ron Valentine on X @ronandlynda
