The Windsor Spitfires are making waves once again, as three of their players were snapped up in the 2026 NHL Draft, including a standout pick that has everyone talking. This success is a testament to the strategic vision of Spitfires’ general manager Bill Bowler, who has been steadily building a youth-centric team since the 2024 and 2025 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Drafts.
The goal was clear: integrate these young talents with seasoned veterans, get them drafted, and prepare them for bigger roles in the upcoming 2026-27 season. This weekend, that plan bore fruit as the NHL spotlight shone brightly on these young athletes.
Ethan Belchetz Heads to Utah
Friday evening saw the Spitfires’ first big moment as forward Ethan Belchetz was selected 17th overall by the Utah Mammoth. Belchetz’s journey is one of promise and potential.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 228 pounds, he was a no-brainer for Bowler as the first overall pick in the 2024 OHL Draft. His leadership with the Oakville Rangers U16 AAA team translated well to the Spitfires, where he delivered a stellar performance with 51 goals and 97 points over 113 games.
Despite injuries cutting his seasons short, his physical play and leadership qualities made him a standout.
Belchetz’s draft night was one of pure joy, as he expressed his excitement and readiness to dive into his professional journey. His commitment to Michigan State University for the 2026-27 season adds a bittersweet note, as he won’t celebrate this milestone with Spitfires fans.
Yet, his gratitude towards the Spitfires is evident, acknowledging the role they played in his development both on and off the ice. Utah, with its outdoor allure, seems like a fitting new home for Belchetz, who is eager to explore the mountains and embrace his new chapter.
Edmonton Oilers Double Down on Spitfires Talent
Saturday brought more excitement as the Edmonton Oilers selected two more Spitfires players. In the fifth round, they picked defenseman Andrew Robinson at 133rd overall.
Robinson, a 6-foot, 190-pound defenseman, has shown impressive growth since being drafted in the third round of the 2024 OHL Draft. With 24 points in 63 games and a memorable hat-trick against the London Knights, his ability to blend smart defensive play with offensive flair caught the Oilers' eye.
Robinson’s draft moment was a family affair, filled with emotion and gratitude. He credits the Spitfires and the rigorous OHL schedule for helping him evolve as a player, emphasizing the invaluable lessons learned from the team’s staff.
Just a round later, the Oilers returned for forward Caden Harvey at 180th overall. Harvey, hailing from Beaver, PA, brought 34 points in 68 games to the table, showing significant development throughout the season.
His physicality along the boards and growing confidence around the net make him a promising prospect. Harvey’s future is set with a commitment to Penn State University for the 2027-28 season, while Robinson looks towards Providence College.
The draft success is a proud moment for the Spitfires, and their journey continues with the upcoming Canadian Hockey League Import Draft on June 30. Bill Bowler’s strategic vision and the Spitfires’ dedication to nurturing young talent are clearly paying off, setting the stage for more exciting developments in the team’s future.
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