“His professionalism, work ethic and outstanding communication skills make him the perfect choice to lead our team as captain for this season.”
Ontario Junior Hockey League resident writer Ron Valentine is profiling the 2025-26 team captains across The OJ.
BY RON VALENTINE
Will Hughes checked off all the boxes when the Collingwood Blues were appointing a team captain for the 2025-26 campaign.
Will made his debut for the Blues last season recording 16 goals and 40 points. The 19-year old from Ottawa spent the 2023-24 season with the South Kent School prep U18 AAA team in Connecticut. He was a fifth-round OHL draft pick in 2022 by the Guelph Storm.
“After an incredible rookie season where he stepped seamlessly into an important role, Will has continued to raise the standard on and off the ice,” said Head Coach Andrew Campoli. “His professionalism, work ethic and outstanding communication skills make him the perfect choice to lead our team as captain for this season.”
Will (given name William) has been part of the leadership group throughout his career so far: “I was captain of the U14’s with the Jr 67’s and with Nepean U18 and also at prep school with the Cardinals. I learned a lot from my captain, Marcus Lougheed, last season and I wish him success with his new team. I’m lucky to have three assistant captains who will support me and coach Campy (Andrew Campoli).
“Talan Palmer, up front and Easton Andrews, on defence, return from last year and Nathan Omeri, who played for the last two seasons with the Sarnia Sting and was with the Blues at the Centennial Cup in Portage in 2023. As well, we have Owen McNamara who was captain of Georgetown last season. And, as the coach says, team success brings personal success.”
“Playing in Collingwood is a real plus for me. We get great crowds and the building. Although it’s old, there have been lots of renovations to make us comfortable. It’s tough to repeat as national champs as we found out last season, but this time we will be a little older. We started a little bit rocky last year but came on as the season progressed until we came up against a very tough Milton team. We are built differently this time around.”
“Trust is very important to me and I want to be the guy out there in the last two minutes when the game is on the line.”
“I see myself as a 200-foot player. I’ve always played centre. It’s my position, and I think I bring a high hockey IQ to the rink. I take pride in making my teammates better. Trust is very important to me and I want to be the guy out there in the last two minutes when the game is on the line. I enjoy playing on special teams, as well.”
Will has gotten off to a very fast start this season with the Blues posting 17 points in his first 11 games. His seven goals include three on the powerplay and a game winner.
It’s a different looking lineup this season for Collingwood but with a 7-3-1-1 record good for a third-place tie in the very competitive West. Under the on-ice direction of Will and his very capable and experienced assistant captains the club will be very much in contention for top spot in the division.
The Blues, who are home to the Caledon Admirals on Friday, visit Milton on Sunday.
Follow Ron Valentine on X @ronandlynda
