MISSISSAUGA, ON – The Mississauga Steelheads are proud to announce the leadership group for the 2022-23 season. Returning as captain for his second term in the role is defenceman Ethan Del Mastro. Assistant captains will include James Hardie, Charlie Callaghan, Luca Del Bel Belluz, and Owen Beck.
“We are happy to announce the Captains Group for the ‘22-‘23 season.” said Head Coach and General Manager James Richmond. “The group is led by our returning captain Ethan Del Mastro. Ethan has the respect of his peers and coaches and leads the team both on and off the ice. We look forward to his progression as one of, if not, the premier defenceman in Junior hockey.”
“We will have four returning players wear the ‘A’ and all will be pivotal leaders of this Team.” he continued. “James Hardie and Charlie Callaghan are both five year Steelheads and know what it means to be a Steelhead and will be great examples for our younger players. Luca Del Bel Belluz and Owen Beck are two of the best centres in the OHL and they lead with their actions as well as being great team guys in our room. Congratulations to the entire ‘22-23’ leadership group.”
In his first season as captain, Ethan Del Mastro led the team to the most successful regular season in franchise history with a record-setting 82 points (37-23-2-6). The Freelton, Ontario native registered 48 points (7G, 41A) and had a +34 rating, setting a franchise record for single-season plus/minus. At the tail end of last season, the captain signed an entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, the team he was drafted by in the fourth round (#105 overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft. This past off-season, Del Mastro won gold for Team Canada at the U20 World Junior Championships.
“It’s an honour to be named captain this year,” said Del Mastro. “With so many great players in that room it will be a privilege to lead them. This being my second year, I hope to bring what I learned last year and try to help this team on and off the ice to the best of my ability. Excited for the season and what it holds for us!”
Returning to his assistant captain role is overage forward, James Hardie. After being selected by the team in the first round (#8 overall) of the 2018 OHL Draft, the left-winger has done nothing but impress. 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). Hardie led the team in goals (41) and points (77) in the 2021-22 season, earning back-to-back seasons with more than thirty goals-scored.
“My time in Mississauga has been nothing but amazing with great teammates and coaches,” described the left-winger. “It’s an absolute honour to wear a letter for this organization with all the past players that have worn a letter for this team it’s truly an honour and I’m super excited to be a part of the leadership group for the season”
New to the assistant captain role this season is overage defenceman, Charlie Callaghan. The Toronto native has been a staple in the Steelheads lineup since the 2018-19 season. The 2021-22 season saw the defenceman earn career-highs in goals (7), assists (9), and points (16). In just four games this year, Callaghan has already earned a goal and an assist and leads the team in shots on goal (19).
“Having been here in Mississauga for five years has been nothing but an unbelievable time and to now be named assistant captain is a true honour and pleasure.” stated Callaghan. “I’m excited to help lead this team to what should be a fun and successful year. There are so many guys in that room that could wear a letter for this team so to be named to the leadership group is really special for my family and I!”
Serving as the assistant captain for all 34 home games is centreman Luca Del Bel Belluz. Drafted in the third round (#51 overall) of the 2019 OHL Draft, the forward had a breakout year in the 2021-22 season. The Woodbridge native registered 76 points (30G, 46A) garnering league-wide attention that earned him an invite to the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in March 2022. The centreman was also given an assistant captain role for home games in the latter half of last season for his excellent performance. In this past year’s NHL Draft, Del Bel Belluz was selected in the second round (#44 overall) by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“It’s truly an honour to be given this role on a team with many leaders and great people,” said the centreman. “I’m really excited to be able to help lead our team to a championship. Can’t wait for what’s ahead.”
Wearing the “A” on the road for the Steelheads this year is centreman Owen Beck. The Port Hope native led Steelheads rookies with 51 points (20G, 31A) in 2021-22, good for fifth in the OHL rookie scoring race. He also finished third in the OHL in faceoff wins (817) and set the franchise record for faceoff wins in a single-season by a rookie. For his off-ice achievements, the centreman won the Bobby Smith Trophy for academic excellence in the OHL as well as the CHL Scholastic Player of the Year award. Beck made an appearance at the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in March 2022 and was drafted in the second round (#33 overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in this year’s NHL Draft. The forward signed an entry-level contract with the team earlier this month.
“It’s an honour being named an assistant captain of this team,” Beck described. “We’ve got a great group and I hope to play a part in leading them to some great things this season.”
SOURCE Mississauga Steelheads
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