NEWS

A series of stories on the team captains in the Ontario Junior Hockey League during the 2017-18 season:

By Ron Valentine

It's frustrating watching from the stands but that's just what MISSISSAUGA CHARGERS team captain MICHAEL CHOMA (Photo by Catherine Kim / OJHL Images) had to do early this season.

Injured during his first game of the season, he is back now with a vengeance and is very upbeat about his club's chances this season, even though they are in what looks to be a very strong South Division. It's the former Burlington Cougar’s second year as captain of the club. He is aided by Max Routledge, Kyler Matthews and Brandon Yeamans.

The captain is happy with the team's bright start and it was good to be in thick of things right off the bat, he notes. He feels that the Chargers had a great training camp and that helped to give them some success early.

Last year he was a first-year captain. Now, with that experience he wants to adjust his style and be a little more vocal. He says he can always count on his 'A's to chip in with positive advice in “the room”. The three have a lot of junior experience between them.

Although Choma was unable to skate at the Governors Showcase in Buffalo, he's looking to get a scholarship either in Canada or the U.S.

He cites as a plus for the club off-season acquisitions from the GOJHL in Orion Hexamer and Samson Scholten. They add considerable depth to the team, he said.

Choma sees the goalie position as solid with the return of Luca Durante and a strong backup in 17-year-old Dan Murphy.

Though the start of the season, personally, with the injury was disappointing he is now making his on-ice contributions from the blueline to help lead the Chargers into the post-season.