Windsor Spitfires - Feed

Spitfires Sign 2025 1st Round Import Pick Michal Svrcek to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Nicholas Welsh — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:00:18 +0000

Spitfires Sign 2025 1^st Round Import Pick Michal Svrcek to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement WINDSOR, ON. The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce the signing of forward Michal Svrcek to the Red, White, and Navy for the 2026-27 season. Svrcek, selected 53rd overall by the Spitfires in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, hails from Žilina, Slovakia. He stands 6’0” and weighs 191 lbs. Svrcek developed his game with Brynäs IF in Sweden, splitting time between the J20 and SHL teams. In the J20 league, he recorded 30 points in 30 games (14 goals, 16 assists) and appeared in 17 SHL games, tallying 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists). He was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the fourth round, 119th overall, in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Following his CHL selection, Svrcek continued with Brynäs IF, posting 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists) in 11 J20 games. In the SHL, he appeared in 12 games before being loaned to Västeras IK of HockeyAllsvenskan, where he played 10 games. Internationally, Svrcek has represented Slovakia at the U18 World Championships, recording 2 goals and 2 assists in 7 games. This past season, he represented Team Slovakia at the World Junior Championships, contributing 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist) in 5 games. The Slovakia native is excited to be joining the club. “It is super exciting, I am super happy and looking forward to it.” Svrcek said. Bill Bowler spoke on Svrcek putting pen to paper. “Svrcek is a world junior talent and will make an immediate impact with our club” GM Bill Bowler said. “We are excited to bring Michal to Windsor.” Welcome to the Spitfires, Michal!

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For media inquiries, please contact: Nick Welsh | Manager of Communications, Media and Community Relations | Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club WFCU Centre 8787 McHugh Street | Windsor, Ontario | N8S 0A1 W. 519-254-5000 ext 221 Email: Social@windsorspitfires.com

Spitfires Sign 2024 8th Round Pick Drake Gram to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Nicholas Welsh — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:04:01 +0000

WINDSOR, ON. The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce the signing of defenceman Drake Gram to the Red, White and Navy! The Spitfires selected Gram with the 144^th overall pick in the eighth round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. A native of Gross Point Park, Michigan, Gram stands 6’0” and weighs 170 pounds. Gram played his minor hockey with the Detroit Little Ceasars organization. During his 2023–24 draft season, he recorded 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points in 57 games. Following his selection by Windsor, Gram returned to the Detroit Little Ceasars program for his U16 season. He played in 45 games and had 8 goals and 22 assists for 30 points. In 2025-26, Gram split time between the NAHL’s Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks and USHL’s Omaha Lancers. Drake played 15 games in the NAHL before moving to the USHL. In 35 games with the Lancers, Gram had 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points. The Gross Point Park, MI native is excited to be joining the club. “It is an incredible feeling to sign with the Windsor Spitfires,” Gram said. “I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to play for the best coaches and management in the OHL. The Spitfires fans create an electric environment and being so close to home gives me the opportunity to play in front of my friends and family.” Gram said the Spitfires have an outstanding history. “The Spitfire shave a great history developing players and winning championships,” Drake said. “I am excited to be a part of such a well-respected organization.” Bill Bowler spoke on Gram putting pen to paper. “Drake is a steady defender that we have been monitoring since we drafted him” GM Bill Bowler said. “We like how he has continued to grow and he can play any style of game.” Welcome to the Spitfires, Drake!

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For media inquiries, please contact: Nick Welsh | Manager of Communications, Media and Community Relations | Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club WFCU Centre 8787 McHugh Street | Windsor, Ontario | N8S 0A1 W. 519-254-5000 ext 221 Email: Social@windsorspitfires.com

Windsor Spitfires Set to Face London Knights in 2026-27 Season Home Opener

Nicholas Welsh — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:01:59 +0000

The Windsor Spitfires are thrilled to announce that the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League season will officially kick off against longtime rivals, the London Knights. Fans can mark their calendars for Saturday, September 19th, 2026, when the Spitfires take to the ice at the WFCU Centre for an electrifying home opener. Last season, the Spitfires posted a 4-0-1-1 record against the Knights. This is the game every Spitfires fan looks forward to. The rivalry with London always brings out the best in our players, and starting the season with them at home makes it even more special. We’re ready to give our fans an unforgettable opening night. Tickets for the home opener are expected to sell quickly, so fans are encouraged to secure their seats early. More information on tickets will be announced in the coming weeks. The night should have high-energy hockey, awesome fan experiences, and excitement as Windsor sets the tone for what promises to be another memorable season.

Windsor Spitfires Complete U18 Priority Selection

Nicholas Welsh — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 01:30:12 +0000

WINDSOR, ON. The Windsor Spitfires completed the 2026 U-18 Priority Selection with 3 picks on Monday evening. Here are the selections:

Round (Pick)	Player	Position	Height	Weight	Team
1 (16th)	Anthony Carchidi	Centre	5'11	175lbs	Vaughan Kings
2 (36th)	Beckett Campbell	Goalie	6'1	185lbs	Upper Canada
3 (49th)	Jackson Bodnar	Defence	6'1	196lbs	Markham Waxers

Round 1: Anthony Carchidi (U18 - Vaughan Kings) Standing 5'11" and 175 lbs., this two-way centreman was a key contributor for Vaughan this season, recording 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points in 31 games while adding 40 penalty minutes. Strong on the puck and reliable in all three zones, he plays bigger than his size and consistently competes hard in every situation. Known for scoring timely goals and making impactful plays when it matters most, he brings energy, leadership, and determination to the lineup. A true heart-and-soul player, he does the little things that help teams win and can be counted on in all areas of the game. Round 2: Beckett Campbell (U18 - Upper Canada) Standing 6'1½" and 185 lbs., Beckett Campbell combines excellent size with strong technical fundamentals. In 22 games this season, he posted a .917 save percentage and a 2.37 goals-against average, consistently giving his team a chance to win. He elevated his play in key matchups and demonstrated poise under pressure against top competition. His performance earned call-ups to both the Smiths Falls Jr. A and Jr. B teams during the 2025-26 season, highlighting the confidence higher levels have in his potential. After first catching attention at the 2025 OHL Cup, Beckett continued to impress throughout the season in Upper Canada with his steady development, composure, and ability to make timely saves in crucial moments. Round 3: Jackson Bodnar (U18 - Markham Waxers) Standing 6'1½" and 196 lbs., Jackson Bodnar is a steady and intelligent defenseman who plays a key role on an excellent Markham team. In 42 games this season, he contributed 5 goals and 12 assists for 17 points while logging 46 penalty minutes. Using his size and strength effectively in his own end, Jackson consistently shuts down opponents and makes smart decisions under pressure. A natural leader, he has been a stalwart on the blueline all season, earning high praise from scouts for his poise, reliability, and overall impact on the game.

OHL to hold 2026 Under-18 Priority Selection on Monday at 7:00pm

Nicholas Welsh — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:33:58 +0000

TORONTO - The 2026 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection is set to commence at 7:00pm on Monday, June 8th where no fewer than 40 players born in 2008 and 2009 will be chosen from Under-18 AAA programs from across the province. The Under-18 Priority Selection will be held entirely online. Follow along with pick-by-pick results here at ontariohockeyleague.com. Just as they will at this coming Friday night's 2026 OHL Priority Selection in Kingston, the Oshawa Generals hold the first overall pick, followed by the Erie Otters who select second and the Brampton Steelheads who will be picking third. A complete order of selection can be found here. Here’s everything you need to know about the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection: History: The concept for the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was developed in 2017 with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario Branches including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO), to assist in the growth of U18 AAA hockey and provide further opportunities for players at different stages of their hockey development. Recent Selections to Play in the OHL: A number of former U18 selections spent the 2025-26 season in the OHL including Peterborough Petes teammates Brennan Faulkner and Brett Hammond, Sudbury Wolves forward Rowan Henderson, Kingston Frontenacs forward Riley Clark, Erie Otters netminder Noah Tegelaar, Brampton Steelheads forward Julian Demiglio, Barrie Colts forward Luc Gauvreau, Windsor Spitfires goaltender Michael Newlove, North Bay Battalion blueliner Jonathan Kapageridis, Flint Firebirds forward Josh Bonnyman as well as Kitchener Rangers forward Jack LaBrash. Players Eligible for Selection: All U18 players not currently on a CHL Member Team Protected List who were carded with an Ontario-based U18 AAA Hockey Club or an accredited Hockey Canada sport school within the OHF, HNO or HEO in the 2025-26 playing season are eligible for the U18 Priority Selection. Selection Procedure: The Under-18 Priority Selection Process is two rounds with each OHL Member Team required to select two players. Teams that select a goaltender in one of the first two rounds are permitted to select an additional skater in a third round of selections.

Spitfires Sign 2025 1st Round U-18 Pick Hamza Havusic to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Nicholas Welsh — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:02:12 +0000

WINDSOR, ON. The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce the signing of forward Hamza Havusic (have-u-sick) to the Red, White and Navy! The Spitfires selected Hamza Havusic with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 OHL U-18 Priority Selection. A native of Mississauga, Ontario, Havusic stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 190 pounds. Havusic played his minor hockey in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). During his U16 season with the Toronto Nationals, he recorded 8 goals and 6 assists for 14 points in 33 games. After going undrafted in the OHL Priority Selection, he became eligible for the U-18 draft. In his U-18 season with the Vaughan Kings, Havusic scored 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points in 35 games. Following his selection by Windsor, Havusic joined the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and suited up for the Stouffville Spirit. In 34 regular season games, he recorded 6 goals and 12 assists for 18 points. He also appeared in 9 playoff games, registering one assist. The Mississauga, ON native is excited to be joining the club. “I am thrilled to be a part of the Spitfires organization” Havusic said. “I can’t wait to get started!” Bill Bowler spoke on Havusic putting pen to paper. “Hamza has a big frame with the ability to skate well” GM Bill Bowler said. “We see potential in this young man with his size and strength.” Welcome to the Spitfires, Hamza!

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Spitfires Sign 2025 3rd Round Pick Ty Bergeron to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Nicholas Welsh — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:00:09 +0000

WINDSOR, ON. The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce the signing of forward Ty Bergeron to the Red, White and Navy! Bergeron was selected in the third round, 45^th overall, by the Spitfires in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection draft. The Flat Rock, Michigan native stands at 6’2 and weighs 185lbs. Bergeron played his minor hockey with the Detroit Honeybaked organization. During his 2023-2024 season, he recorded 47 goals and 57 assists for 104 points in 76 games. In his 2024-25 draft season, Ty had 62 goals and 78 assists for 140 points in 90 games. Following his selection by Windsor, Bergeron joined the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he posted 6 goals and 14 assists for 20 points in 55 games. In the playoffs, the Lumberjacks made it to the finals but lost to the Sioux Falls Stampede. Bergeron had 4 points (2 goals and 2 assists) in 16 playoff games. In other competitions, Bergeron played for the U-17 National Team Development Program and played in 9 games while recording a goal and an assist. He also played in the U-17 World Hockey Challenge for Team USA and had 1 goal and 1 assist in 4 games. The Flat Rock, MI native is excited to be joining the club. “It feels awesome to sign with the Windsor Spitfires” Bergeron said. “I’m just really looking forward to getting the season started!” Bill Bowler spoke on Bergeron putting pen to paper. “Ty is a complete player with high energy and compete” GM Bill Bowler said. “He plays a prostyle game, and we welcome him and his family to the Spitfires.” Welcome to the Spitfires, Ty!

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Spitfires Sign 2025 4th Round Pick Jesse Debruyn to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Nicholas Welsh — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:15:54 +0000

WINDSOR, ON. The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce the signing of defenceman Jesse Debruyn (De-bru-un) to the Red, White and Navy. Debruyn was selected by the Spitfires in the fourth round, 76th overall, of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. The Exeter, Ontario native stands at 6-foot and 180 pounds. Debruyn played his minor hockey with the Huron Perth Lakers organization. During his 2024 draft season, he recorded 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points in 30 games from the blueline. Following his selection by Windsor, Debruyn joined the Komoka Kings of the Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL), where he posted 8 goals and 19 assists for 27 points in 47 games. After the Kings’ season came to an end, Debruyn was called up by the Spitfires and appeared in six games. The Exeter, ON native is excited to be joining the club. “It feels great to sign with such a great organization” Debruyn said. “To accomplish something I have been working really hard for since the draft is super rewarding.” Debruyn said he is excited to meet his new teammates and be a part of the organization. “I think I am most excited to meet all the players and see the guys from last year” Debruyn said. “I am thrilled to be a part of the team.” Bill Bowler spoke on Debruyn putting pen to paper. “Jesse is an all around defenceman that can play in all situations” GM Bill Bowler said. “He is a player that joined us late in the playoffs and we expect him to continue to grow into a prominent role.” Welcome to the Spitfires, Jesse!

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For media inquiries, please contact: Nick Welsh | Manager of Communications, Media, and Community Relations & Video Coach | Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club WFCU Centre 8787 McHugh St. Windsor ON N8S 0A1 W. 519-254-5000 ext 221 Email: Social@windsorspitfires.com

2026 WORLD JUNIOR SUMMER SHOWCASE COMING TO WINDSOR

Nicholas Welsh — Tue, 12 May 2026 15:03:35 +0000

Top NHL prospects will be on display in southern Ontario, July 26-August 1 WINDSOR, Ontario – Hockey Canada, in partnership with the City of Windsor and the Windsor Spitfires, has announced the schedule and ticket information for the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase, July 26-Aug.1 at the WFCU Centre. Canada’s National Junior Team hopefuls will be joined by Finland, Sweden and the United States for 10 games in preparation for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship, set for Dec. 26, 2026-Jan. 5, 2027 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta. “The World Junior Summer Showcase is a very important step in our preparations and building our team for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton,” said Alan Millar (Tottenham, ON), general manager of the Program of Excellence. “This showcase gives us the opportunity to continue our player evaluation, build relationships and chemistry amongst players and staff, and set our standards and expectations for our team in a very competitive environment.” Canada will kick off the World Junior Summer Showcase against Sweden at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Wednesday, July 29, and will also take on Finland on Thursday, July 30 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and the United States on Saturday, Aug. 1 at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. The 2025 edition of the World Junior Summer Showcase in Minnesota featured 104 National Hockey League draft picks, including 34 first-round selections. The Canadian roster led the way with 22 first-rounders, highlighted by 2025 No. 1 draft pick Matthew Schaefer (Hamilton, ON/New York Islanders, NHL) and four of the next six picks: Michael Misa (Oakville, ON/San Jose, NHL), Caleb Desnoyers (Saint-Hyacinthe, QC/Utah, NHL), Brady Martin (Elmira, ON/Nashville, NHL) and Porter Martone (Peterborough, ON/Philadelphia, NHL). The showcase also included two of the top five North American skaters ranked by NHL Central Scouting for the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft – Gavin McKenna (Whitehorse, YT/Penn State University, Big Ten) and Carson Carels (Cypress River, MB/Prince George, WHL) – and two of the top five international skaters – Sweden’s Ivar Stenberg and Viggo Björck. “The City of Windsor is proud to welcome the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase to the WFCU Centre this July,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “This event brings together some of the best young hockey talent in the world and inspires youth to strive for excellence, while reinforcing Windsor’s strong reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism. In partnership with Hockey Canada and the Windsor Spitfires, we look forward to showcasing our community, supporting our local economy and creating an unforgettable experience for players, coaches, officials, volunteers, fans and visitors alike.” Tickets for the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase will go on sale on Friday, May 15, with full-event packages starting at $164. A three-game Canadian package begins at $129, while single-game tickets start at $18 plus fees. For more information, visit HockeyCanada.ca/SummerShowcase. “We are incredibly proud to welcome the World Junior Summer Showcase back to Windsor. This is a tremendous opportunity for our city to once again be on the international stage, and a testament to the passion our community has for the game of hockey,” said John Savage, Governor of the Windsor Spitfires. “On behalf of the Windsor Spitfires organization, we are excited to partner with Hockey Canada to deliver a first-class event. Our staff, volunteers, and fans all play a role in creating an unforgettable experience, and we look forward to showcasing everything Windsor has to offer to players, officials, and visitors from around the world.” All World Junior Summer Showcase games can be livestreamed at HNLive.ca. For more information on Hockey Canada, the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase and Canada’s National Junior Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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Spitfires’ forward Alex Pharand commits to Clarkson University

Nicholas Welsh — Mon, 11 May 2026 17:48:40 +0000

For immediate release. Monday, May 11th, 2026 Following the NCAA Division I Council’s landmark decision in November 2024 to make Canadian Hockey League players eligible for NCAA Division I hockey programs, Windsor Spitfires forward Alex Pharand is joining a growing list of former Spitfires pursuing NCAA opportunities. The 21-year-old forward from Sudbury announced his commitment to the Clarkson Golden Knights men's ice hockey program via Instagram on Sunday afternoon for the 2026-27 season. Pharand completed an impressive OHL career, appearing in 323 regular season games while recording 74 goals and 110 assists for 184 points. In postseason play, he appeared in 30 playoff games, collecting three goals and five assists. Originally drafted by the Hamilton Bulldogs, Pharand spent part of his rookie season in Hamilton before being traded to his hometown Sudbury Wolves. He went on to spend four seasons with the Wolves before being acquired by the Windsor Spitfires at the 2025-26 trade deadline. Pharand was also selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Clarkson University, located in Potsdam, is home to the Golden Knights men’s hockey program, an NCAA Division I team that competes in the ECAC conference. The program has produced several notable NHL figures, including current Calgary Flames General Manager Craig Conroy and longtime Los Angeles Kings forward Dave Taylor. For some frequently asked questions around the NCAA player eligibility changes announced in November, click here.

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