Steelheads Christmas Countdown – 5
This holiday season, the Mississauga Steelheads are counting down the 12 days of Christmas by looking back at the history of our franchise and the OHL in Mississauga.
With 5 days left, we’re taking a look back at our former Captain, Stuart Percy! While he may have worn #28 to end his time in Mississauga, “Stu” wore the #5 from 2009 – 2011 as a member of the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors!
Be sure to check back every day as we approach Christmas for brand new features!
A native of Oakville,Ontario, Stuart Percy has worn the blue and white for his entire life. Stuart played his minor hockey with the Toronto Marlboros where he wore an ‘A’ in his final season. With a 57-point final season, this great two-way defenseman helped the Marlboros to an appearance in the 2009 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament Final. Stuart’s on-ice success led to a selection in the first round (15th overall) of the 2009 OHL Priority Selection byMississauga. Wearing the number 5, “Stu” broke into the league with a strong performance in his first season. Playing in 52 games, Stu found the back of the net three times, and added 15 assists and 40 penalty minutes as Mississauga finished second in the Central Division; Stuart also played in 16 playoff games before the Majors were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Final by the Barrie Colts. Stuart also spent time in the 2009-2010 season with Team Canada-Ontario at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Posting 3 assists in 6 games, Stu helpedOntarioto a silver medal. Stuart also headed to the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament that summer, where he helped Team Canada to a gold medal.
With Mississauga earning the right to host the 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup, Stuart Percy returned to the Majors in 2010-2011 season ready to make an impact. An outstanding “draft year” saw Stuart post 33 points in 64 games, while posting 50 penalty minutes and a +50 rating. Stuart’s plus-minus was only surpassed by Brett Flemming, who led the entire Ontario Hockey League.Mississauga rolled to an Eastern Conference Championship, and battled the Owen Sound Attack in a tough seven-game series before eventually falling in dramatic fashion. Despite the defeat, Stuart posted 12 points in 20 playoff games and a +11 rating before heading to the Memorial Cup Tournament. Mississauga did gain a measure of revenge, outlasting Owen Sound; however they could not pick up the win in the Memorial Cup Final on home ice. While it wasn’t the ending he was hoping for, Stuart was named to the CHL Memorial Cup All-Star Team.
The honour was Stu’s second CHL honour of the year, after playing in the 2011 CHL Top Prospects Game. Stuart’s outstanding performance caught the eye of his “hometown” Toronto Maple Leafs, who drafted him with the 25th pick (first round) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Stuart returned to Mississauga to find a “C” stitched to the front of his jersey for the 2011-2012 season. Defending the 2010-2011 Eastern Conference Championship was no easy task however, as Stu watched from the sidelines due to an injury. Despite his absence, he was able to post 25 points in the games he did play, also accumulating a +18 rating. Despite missing time, the Toronto Maple Leafs saw enough in Stuart to offer him a three-year contract, which Stu signed in November of 2011, ensuring himself a future with the franchise. Unfortunately, back in the OHL, the Majors were unable to make a sustained postseason push, being eliminated in 6 games. Stuart once again showed his talents on the ice, picking up two points. With a break coming earlier than expected, the Toronto Maple Leafs recalled Stu to their AHL affiliate for the end of the season, and Stuart made his professional debut with an assist in the Marlies’ final regular season game. Stuart was active in the 2012 AHL Playoffs, where he appeared in 3 games for the Marlies.
Having worn the blue and white uniforms of the Marlboros, Marlies and Maple Leafs, Stu returned to Mississauga for the 2012-2013 season, this time wearing the blue and white of the Steelheads. With a “C” on his new jersey and his image splashed across the city of Mississauga, Stu stepped up his final OHL season. Stuart showed his strong all-around play with career highs in goals (13), assists (32) and points (45) as he played in all of the Steelheads’ 68 games. Stuart solidified his position as one of the league’s best defenders, appearing in both games of the OHL’s Subway Super Series against Russia. Stuart wrapped up his time in Mississauga with a playoff berth, however the Steelheads could not overcome the top-seeded Belleville Bulls, falling in 6 games; Stuart picked up two points in the playoffs.
After departing Mississauga for the final time, Stu headed back up to the American Hockey League to finish the season with the Toronto Marlies. Stuart did not see any postseason action; however he did manage to score his first professional goal, and added 2 assists in 4 games with the Marlies. This season, Stuart has become an everyday defenceman with 6 points through 22 games so far. Stuart will be in action this weekend, as the Marlies visit the Charlotte Checkers for two games. Fans wishing to see the former Captain can do so on Boxing Day, as the Marlies return to Ricoh Coliseum to host the Hamilton Bulldogs.
