‘His ability to connect with his teammates and staff fosters a winning culture that we are looking to bring to Mississauga.’
Ontario Junior Hockey League resident writer Ron Valentine is profiling the 2025-26 team captains across The OJ.
Posted On: October 17th, 2025, Posted By: ojhl.ca, Original Article
Defenceman MASSIMO NERI has returned to the captaincy of the Mississauga Chargers this season.
He was appointed in 2024 by then head coach Joe Washkurak and ‘re-upped’ by new bench boss Alex Bezerra.
Massimo made his OJHL debut in 2023-24 with the Toronto Patriots. Last season the defence-first blueliner had just one goal, his first in the league. It came in Oakville last October and was the first goal in the game which the Chargers would win, 6-3.
Bezerra was quick to reappoint the big blueliner: “Massimo is the heartbeat of our team. His leadership both on and off the ice inspires every player to push their limits and strive for excellence. His ability to connect with his teammates and staff fosters a winning culture that we are looking to bring to Mississauga.
“From an on-ice perspective, Massimo brings a unique blend of skill and grit. His vision and strategic thinking elevates our team game; offensively he reads the play very well and defensively he is our anchor. He plays a physical game and he leads by example, showing that hard work and determination always pay off.”
Second-year captain Massimo Neri of the Mississauga Chargers. (Photo by Tim Bates / OJHL Images)
“I learned a lot last season doing the duties of a captain for the first time,” Massimo told the OJHL, “and although we went through ups and downs and did not make the playoffs there were lots of positives especially with the play of guys like Wyatt Jinman, Mason Kim and Nate Brentnell. Nate is now with Newmarket but we have some really good up-and-coming players this season. Luca Morano and defenceman Ethan Holt are back this year and both will wear the ‘A’; they bring lots of energy.They are both spark plugs, Ethan loves to rush with the puck, Luca commands respect on the ice and they are both natural leaders.”
The Chargers are 6-6-0-1 and tied for the eighth and final playoff spot in the OJHL West.
“We have picked up some very talented players from other clubs like Milo Tian and Owen Barfoot, both from the King Rebellion,” Massimo said, “and several other players, like goalie Avery Alves, who are going to play key roles for us this season. There is a tight-knit feeling on the team now, the best that I have seen here. Getting off to a good start was important, it’s tough chasing other teams throughout the season.”
“One of my personal goals for this year is to increase my goal output and put more points on the board and my aim is to play hockey at a Canadian university next September.”
The Chargers play in Trenton Friday night and host the Leamington Flyers Saturday. Game time is 7:45 p.m. at Port Credit Memorial Arena.
