Windsor Spitfires - Feed

Spitfires Hire Andrew Donaldson as Video Coach/Director of Analytics

Emma Cicovacki — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:00:13 +0000

WINDSOR, ON The Windsor Spitfires are excited to announce the hiring of Andrew Donaldson as the club’s new Video Coach/Director of Analytics. The Tecumseh, ON native, has over 17 years of coaching experience that spans from minor AAA, the Greater Ontario Hockey League, to professional hockey in the DEL2. Donaldson joins the team after living overseas in Germany last season coaching the ESV Kaufbeuren DEL2 team. Before then, the local coach spent 5 seasons as the Assistant Coach of the University of Windsor Lancers. Donaldson expresses what this opportunity means for someone growing up in Windsor. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the Windsor Spitfires organization. Growing up in Windsor, I’ve always understood the importance of the Spitfires and what they mean to this community. I’m excited to be part of a team with such a proud history and passionate fan base” Bill Bowler spoke on Donaldson. “We’re excited to welcome Andrew and what he will bring to our organization. His journey through Windsor AAA, the Greater Ontario Hockey League, USports, and professional hockey is a testament to his hard work, commitment, and growth as a coach”. Welcome to the Spitfires, Andrew!

For media inquiries, please contact: Emma Cicovacki | Communications, Media, and Community Relations Coordinator | Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club WFCU Centre 8787 McHugh St. Windsor ON N8S 0A1 W. 519-254-5000 ext 221 Email: Social@windsorspitfires.com

WJSS FREE FAMILY EVENT – located in the Corporal A.P. Grenon & Canadian Veterans Rink

Emma Cicovacki — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 19:22:50 +0000

Make your Team Canada game day even more memorable at our

FREE FAMILY EVENT – located in the Corporal A.P. Grenon & Canadian Veterans Rink

Free and open to public, do not need a ticket for the game Canada Game Days Only o Hours – Wednesday July 29^th 4pm – 8pm o Hours – Thursday July 30^th 4pm – 8pm o Hours – Saturday August 1^st 12noon – 4pm · Activity area will feature fun, family-friendly activities for kids of all ages, giveaways and special guests · Enjoy food trucks, beverages & entertainment · Fans are able to bring food in the community side and community rink ONLY Be sure to arrive early, enjoy the festivities, and make the most of your game-day experience before cheering on Team Canada! For media inquiries, please contact: Emma Cicovacki | Communications, Media, and Community Relations Coordinator | Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club WFCU Centre 8787 McHugh St. Windsor ON N8S 0A1 W. 519-254-5000 ext 221 Email: Social@windsorspitfires.com

Windsor Spitfires Hire Emma Cicovacki as Coordinator of Communications, Media, and Community Relations

Emma Cicovacki — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:00:17 +0000

WINDSOR, ON. The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce the hiring of Emma Cicovacki as the club's new Coordinator of Communications, Media and Community Relations. Emma joins the Spitfires after serving as the social media intern for the club's affiliate, the LaSalle Vipers. She holds a diploma in Sport and Recreation Management from Lambton College and is currently completing her Bachelor of Human Kinetics at the University of Windsor. In her new role, Emma will oversee the club's communications strategy, including public announcements, media relations, and community engagement initiatives. She will play a key role in promoting the Spitfires, strengthening relationships with fans and community partners, and supporting the organization's outreach efforts. Spitfires General Manager Bill Bowler welcomed Emma to the organization. "We're excited to have Emma join the OHL level. She's a tremendous addition to our team. We're proud to see this opportunity come through our organization and highlight the strength of our partnership with the LaSalle Vipers and the Greater Ontario Hockey League. We’re looking forward to working with her and seeing her continue to grow in this role”. Please join us in welcoming Emma to the Windsor Spitfires! For media inquiries, please contact: Emma Cicovacki | Communications, Media, and Community Relations Coordinator | Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club WFCU Centre 8787 McHugh St. Windsor ON N8S 0A1 W. 519-254-5000 ext 221 Email: Social@windsorspitfires.com

Spitfires Sign Free Agent Jack O’Dell to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Emma Cicovacki — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:00:12 +0000

Spitfires Sign Free Agent Jack O’Dell to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

WINDSOR, ON. The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce the signing of defenceman Jack O’Dell to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Although not selected in the OHL Priority Selection Draft, O’Dell showcased his talents this past season by recording 21 points in 30 games with Phillips Academy Andover. Standing at 6’2 and 195 pounds, O’Dell spent the first half of the 2025-26 season with the NV River Rats 16U AAA National Team, where he registered 10 points in 26 games. During the 2024-25 season, O’Dell played for the Windy City Storm 15U AAA team, recording 4 goals, 22 assists, and 90 penalty minutes in 49 games. O’Dell was selected in the second round of the USHL Entry Draft by the Dubuque Fighting Saints but ultimately chose to come to Windsor as a Free Agent. When asked what it means to join the team, O’Dell stated “It is a privilege to join a franchise with such a strong tradition of excellence and a proven track record of developing players for the next level”. It was recently announced that O’Dell has been invited to the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Selection Camp in Minnesota where he will compete for a chance to represent the United States. GM Bill Bowler spoke on our newly signed Free Agent. “Jack is a huge find for our team, this free agent signing is an important piece for the future of our club. He is an excellent prospect that will be a welcomed addition to the Windsor Spitfires” Welcome to the Spitfires, Jack!

Spitfires Sign 1st Round Import Pick Bogdan Yakushevsky to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Emma Cicovacki — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:00:08 +0000

WINDSOR, ON. The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce the signing of forward Bogdan Yakushevsky to the Red, White and Navy for the 2026-27 season. Yakushevsky was selected 46^th overall by the Spitfires in the 2026 CHL Import Draft. Bogdan hails from Chita, Russia. He stands at 6’0 and weighs 180lbs. Yakushevsky spent the 2025-26 season with the CSKA Moskova U17 and U18 Teams as well as Krasnaya Armiya Moskva in the MHL. Over the 3 competitions Bogdan played in 63 games and recorded 78 points (36 goals and 42 assists). He is eligible for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft. Bogdan has also suited up for Team Russia, in 2024-25 he played for both the U16 and U17 teams and appeared in 12 games and collected 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists). The Russian native is excited to be joining the club. “It is an honour for me to join such a great organization with so much history with their NHL alumni.” Bogdan said. “I can really sense the professionalism. I’ve already met the people working here, and the atmosphere is very friendly. I am very excited to get started.” Bill Bowler spoke on Yakushevsky putting pen to paper. “Bogdan is a high energy elite prospect” GM Bill Bowler said. “He is a tenacious competitor that brings intensity every shift. We welcome Bogdan and his family to Windsor.” Welcome to the Spitfires, Bogdan!

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For media inquiries, please contact: 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 2026 4th Round Pick Jake LaMontagne to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Emma Cicovacki — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:58:13 +0000

WINDSOR, ON. The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce the signing of defenceman Jake LaMontagne (pronounced La-mon-tane) to the Red, White and Navy. LaMontagne was selected by the Spitfires in the fourth round (69th overall) of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection. A native of New Hudson, Michigan, Jake stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 196-pounds. LaMontagne spent two seasons with Detroit Compuware before joining Detroit HoneyBaked for the 2025-26 season. During the 2024-25 campaign with Compuware, he recorded four assists in 20 games. In his OHL Draft season with HoneyBaked, LaMontagne appeared in 104 games across two competitions, tallying five goals and 63 assists. The Michigan native is excited to be joining the organization. “It is a huge honour to be given the opportunity to sign with such a great organization.” LaMontagne said. “I look forward to working hard every day to make everyone better and help contribute to the teams future success.” Bill Bowler spoke on LaMontagne putting pen to paper. “Jake brings excellent size, strength and a physical presence to our blue line, and he competes hard every shift” GM Bill Bowler said. “He has a lot of potential, and we look forward to seeing his growth over the next couple years. We welcome Jake and his family to Windsor.” Welcome to the Spitfires, Jake!

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For media inquiries, please contact: 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 2026 1st Round Pick Lauchlan Whelan to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Emma Cicovacki — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:02:52 +0000

WINDSOR, ON. The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce the signing of forward Lauchlan Whelan to the Red, White and Navy! Whelan was selected by the Spitfires in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection. The Cobourg, Ontario native stands 6-foot-0 and weighs 165 pounds. Whelan spent the past three seasons with the Quinte Red Devils. During the 2023-24 season, he recorded 41 goals and 36 assists for 77 points in 42 games. He followed that with 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 points in just 23 games during the 2024-25 campaign. Whelan also earned a call-up to the Quinte U16 team, registering one assist in one game. In his OHL Draft season, Whelan appeared in 34 games, recording 32 goals and 22 assists for 54 points. He elevated his play in the postseason, tallying 12 goals and three assists for 15 points in eight playoff games. The Cobourg, ON native is excited to be joining the club. “I am incredibly honoured to sign with Windsor.” Whelan said. “It is a special moment for me and my family because of all the sacrifices that have been made to get here. I am grateful to the organization for believing in me, and I know this is only the start. I am excited to come in every day with a strong work ethic, good character, keep improving and do whatever I can to help the team succeed.” Bill Bowler spoke on Whelan putting pen to paper. “Lauchlan is a dynamic and talented forward” GM Bill Bowler said. “He competes at both ends of the ice and we look forward to his exciting style of play. We welcome him and his family to the Spitfires!” Edit: Hockey Canada has announced newly signed Spitfires forward and 2026 first round pick Lauchlan Whelan to participate in Canada’s national under-17 development camp, set for July 17-21 at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, Ontario. Whelan is set to represent the Spitfires among 19 other forwards from the OHL. More information can be found here. Welcome to the Spitfires, Lauchlan!

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For media inquiries, please contact: Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club WFCU Centre 8787 McHugh Street | Windsor, Ontario | N8S 0A1 W. 519-254-5000 ext 221 Email: Social@windsorspitfires.com

JR Grant Named to Hockey Canada U18 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Staff

Emma Cicovacki — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:10:11 +0000

WINDSOR, ON. – The Windsor Spitfires organization continues to shine on the national stage, with a key member of the club earning a prestigious appointment from Hockey Canada for the 2026 U18 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. J.R. Grant, the Spitfires' Head Equipment Manager, has been a fixture in Windsor's dressing room since 2008 and continues to be recognized for his dedication and professionalism. Grant has been named Equipment Manager for Hockey Canada's National Men's Summer Under-18 Team at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Canada's National Men's Summer Under-18 Team will compete in Edmonton from Aug. 3-8. Canada opens the tournament on Aug. 3 at 5 p.m. MT before facing Slovakia on Aug. 4 and Sweden on Aug. 5 to conclude the preliminary round. The tournament wraps up with the medal games on Aug. 8. Prior to the tournament, Canada's National Men's Summer Under-18 Team will hold a training camp at NAIT Arena in Edmonton from July 27-30. The camp will include practices and a pre-tournament game against Sweden on July 30. Canada will also face Czechia on Aug. 1 as part of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup pre-tournament schedule. Congratulations, JR!

Thank You, Nick Welsh!

Emma Cicovacki — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:04:17 +0000

WINDSOR, ON. The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce that Nick Welsh has accepted an exciting new opportunity in professional sports. During his time with the Spitfires, Nick played an integral role within the organization's Media Relations and Communications department. He helped tell the story of the team through game coverage, feature content, social media, and digital communications, while building strong relationships with local and national media. Beyond his communications responsibilities, Nick also led the club's community outreach initiatives, helping strengthen the connection between the Spitfires and Windsor-Essex through school visits, charitable events, community appearances, and fan engagement programs. His passion, professionalism, and commitment to the organization made a lasting impact both on and off the ice. "Nick's dedication, versatility, and team-first attitude have left a lasting mark on the Windsor Spitfires organization. Whether working behind the scenes in communications, representing the club throughout the community, or contributing on the hockey operations side, Nick approached every opportunity with professionalism and enthusiasm,” commented Director of Business Operations, Steve Horne. This past season, Nick worked simultaneously as the Communications Manager and the role of Video Coach within the Hockey Operations department, embracing a new challenge and quickly becoming an important part of the coaching staff. He played a key role in video preparation, coach's challenges, and player development while gaining valuable experience during a season that saw the Spitfires advance to the Western Conference Final. General Manager Bill Bowler reflected on Nick's versatility in hockey operations, saying: "We are happy for Nick and his new endeavor; Nick was a professional and excelled in his position as our video coach. He immediately gelled with our entire coaching staff, and we look forward to watching his career progress." The Windsor Spitfires thank Nick for his years of hard work and wish him nothing but success as he begins this exciting new chapter. “I am very grateful for my time as a Spitfire” Nick Welsh said. “It has been an honour to serve the community and building meaningful stories that Spitfire fans could enjoy. I would like to thank Steve Horne and Bill Bowler for giving me a chance and helping me grow all those years ago and Greg Walters for giving me the opportunity to coach last year. Once a Spitfire, always a Spitfire.” Congratulations, Nick, and all the best!

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Windsor Spitfires Announce 2026 Preseason Schedule

Emma Cicovacki — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 18:02:05 +0000

WINDSOR, ON. – The Windsor Spitfires, in conjunction with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), have announced their 2026 preseason schedule. Continuing an initiative launched two years ago to further engage with the local community, the Spitfires will once again bring preseason hockey to community arenas across Essex County. The club will play four preseason games this year, including two contests at neutral venues. The preseason begins on Sunday, August 30^th, when the Spitfires host the Soo Greyhounds at the WFCU Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. The teams will meet again on Saturday, September 5, as Windsor travels to Sault Ste. Marie to face the Greyhounds at GFL Memorial Gardens. Game time is 4:00 p.m. On Friday, September 11, the Firebirds will host the Windsor Spitfires at the Leamington Community Recreation Centre, home of the Leamington Flyers. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. The preseason concludes on Saturday, September 12, when the Spitfires host the Firebirds at the Vollmer Complex in LaSalle. Home of the Spitfires affiliate, the LaSalle Vipers. Game time is 7:00 p.m. 2026 Preseason Schedule Soo @ Windsor - Sunday August 30 4:05 PM - WFCU Centre Windsor @ Soo - Saturday September 5 4:00 PM - GFL Memorial Gardens – Soo Windsor @ Flint - Friday September 11 7:00 PM - Leamington Community Centre – Leamington Flint @ Windsor - Saturday September 12 7:00 PM - Vollmer Complex - LaSalle