He started out with the Flint Generals in 1974 and made it to the New England Whalers in 1976. Callighen was traded to the Edmonton Oilers during the 1976-77 season. He had impressive numbers with the Oilers, scoring 20 goals in 1977-78, 31 in 1978-79, 23 in 1979-80 as the team moved to the NHL, and 25 in 1980-81 in only 55 games. Unfortunately he suffered a severe eye injury during the 1980-81 season which kept him out of hockey for six months. A comeback with the Oilers in 1981-82 was not successful because of the lost sight in that eye.