Owen Findlay, a LaSalle native and captain of the LaSalle Vipers, embodies everything it means to play for his hometown team. Growing up in the area, Findlay’s connection to the community is deep-rooted; he remembers skating around the rink as a kid, watching the players he idolized and dreaming of one day wearing the Vipers’ jersey himself.
Now, with a five-minute drive to the rink, he proudly represents his community, both on and off the ice. “It’s an honour to be captain here, and I owe a lot to the past captains who taught me how to lead and how to handle the role. I’m here to show the younger players the ropes, and a big part of my leadership is off the ice, where I aim to be a good mentor,” Findlay explains.
“Seeing kids look up to us like I once did is amazing. Being part of this community is so special, and LaSalle feels like a world-class place to play hockey”
His leadership style is about fostering a supportive, hard-nosed approach that he hopes will inspire his teammates. “I want to leave a legacy of being a caring person within the organization,” he says. For Findlay, how he’s remembered off the ice is just as important as his impact on it.
Findlay describes his playing style as “heavy, physical, and smart,” a style that showcases his dual focus on both defensive responsibilities and offensive playmaking. “I play a really physical game, but I also have some offensive touch. My vision and IQ are my biggest assets, and I’m very responsible on the ice,” he shares.
His advice for young defensemen centers on this commitment to defence first: “Focus on the defensive side of the game. Being the guy who blocks shots, makes quick head-man passes, and always prioritizes defence will earn you a lot of respect from your teammates.”
Community involvement is something Findlay takes pride in, embracing the chance to be a role model for younger fans. The Vipers regularly engage with the community, visiting local schools, reading to children, and signing autographs at events. “We do things like walk-a-thons, ‘Skate with the Vipers’ days and school visits. Seeing kids look up to us like I once did is amazing. Being part of this community is so special, and LaSalle feels like a world-class place to play hockey,” he reflects.
One of Findlay’s most cherished traditions with the Vipers is the team’s annual mystery trip, where players travel together to an unknown destination for team bonding. “Those trips are unforgettable. The team bonding is something I’ll miss most when I’m done,” he says, valuing the camaraderie that makes the Vipers feel like family.
Big games, like matchups against Chatham or London, bring a heightened level of excitement. “The stands are always packed for those games,” he says, acknowledging the energy that a full house brings to the ice. This season’s home opener held particular significance for him as his last, a memory he’ll hold close as he heads into his final games.
Looking forward, Findlay has aspirations to continue his hockey journey abroad. “My goal would be to find a team out in Europe,” he shares. His dedication to organization and discipline in his daily life has prepared him for the next steps in his career, whatever they may hold.
Reflecting on his journey, Findlay’s gratitude shines through. He speaks fondly of his former defensive partner, Spencer Lecott, who was both an influential teammate and a skilled offensive defenseman now playing OUA hockey. “Spencer was a great leader on the ice, and he taught me a lot about leadership,” he says.
As he prepares for the next chapter, Findlay’s legacy with the LaSalle Vipers will remain: a hometown kid who rose to lead his team, both as a player and as a person. With each game and community interaction, Owen Findlay continues to set an example for future generations, proving that hockey is about more than just goals and assists – it’s about heart, community, and the bonds built along the way.
