lochead started his jr. a career playing for the oshawa generals of the ontario hockey association. he enter the league in 1971 but was slowed down by injuries at the beginning of the 1971–72 season. however, once healthy, lochead started scoring, as he recorded 110 points with 56 goals in 1972–73 and 121 points with 57 goals in 1973–74 and was selected to the oha second and first all-star teams in each of those seasons. the detroit red wings drafted him with their first pick in 1974.