Windsor Spitfires - Feed

Spitfires Annual Orientation Camp set for Saturday and Sunday

chlwebproduct — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:13:16 +0000

WINDSOR, ON. The Windsor Spitfires Annual Orientation Camp will be held this weekend on Saturday, June 20th, and Sunday, June 21st at the WFCU Centre. The camp will include both on and off-ice sessions. Attending the event will be the team’s 2026 selections from both the OHL Priority Selection and the U18 Draft. All on-ice sessions will be free and open to the public. For those wishing to attend the 2026 Orientation Camp on-ice sessions please enter through the community gate and into the community rinks. On Ice Sessions (open to the public):

Saturday, June 20^th 4:00pm – 6:10pm – on ice practice and 3 on 3 scrimmage.

Click PDF for a copy of the roster/attendees.

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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 St. Windsor ON N8S 0A1 W. 519-254-5000 ext 221 Email: Social@windsorspitfires.com

2026–27 Regular Season Schedule Announced

chlwebproduct — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:00:13 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WINDSOR, ON. The Windsor Spitfires are excited to announce the 2026-2027 Regular Season Schedule is out! Some key dates for the upcoming 2026–27 regular season schedule, highlighted by a highly anticipated home opener, a mid-season rivalry series, the annual New Years Eve game and a season-ending home finale. The season begins with momentum as the team takes the ice on Friday September 18^th in London for the first game of the season. The home opener is set for Saturday September 19, 2026 at 7:05 p.m., hosting the London Knights in what is expected to be an electric opening night for fans. A marquee highlight of the schedule arrives in late October with Rivalry Week against the Soo Greyhounds. The series opens on the road on Thursday, October 22, 2026, before returning home for a highly anticipated matchup on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 7:05 p.m., where home-ice energy is expected to play a major role. The club’s Eastern Road swing is in November this year with stops in Peterborough, Ottawa and then Kingston. In December, the Spitfires will travel to Barrie and Oshawa for a stint before the Northern trip in January (North Bay, Sudbury, and Soo). The holiday period will see a scheduled break in play, with no regular season games from December 20 through December 27, 2026, allowing players and staff time for rest and recovery during the Christmas season. The annual New Years Eve game is set for December 31^st, 2026, vs the Saginaw Spirit at 2:05pm. The regular season concludes at home on March 21, 2027 at 4:05 p.m., as the Spitfires host the Guelph Storm in what will serve as a decisive final game of the campaign. Additional details, including promotional nights and ticket information, will be released in the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare for an exciting season of hockey action. FULL SCHEDULE

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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 Street | Windsor, Ontario | N8S 0A1 W. 519-254-5000 ext 221 C. 289-233-1774 Email: Social@windsorspitfires.com

Three Former Spitfires win 2026 Stanley Cup title with Carolina Hurricanes

chlwebproduct — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 03:49:47 +0000

The Carolina Hurricanes are Stanley Cup Champions for the second time in franchise history, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6 on Sunday night to claim hockey's ultimate prize in six games. Four former Ontario Hockey League players are part of the Stanley Cup-winning roster, while several more members of the Hurricanes' coaching and hockey operations staff have strong ties to the league. Carolina entered the Stanley Cup Final seeking its first championship since 2006 and completed the task behind key contributions from OHL graduates Taylor Hall (Windsor Spitfires), Jalen Chatfield (Windsor Spitfires) and Tim Gleason (Windsor Spitfires) as Assistant Coach. Hall opened the scoring in Game 6, continuing a strong postseason that saw the former OHL and NHL first overall pick play a leading role in Carolina's championship run. The Windsor graduate previously won back-to-back Memorial Cup titles and OHL championships with the Spitfires in 2009 and 2010, and now adds a Stanley Cup championship to his decorated resume. Chatfield's championship run adds another chapter to one of hockey's great development stories. Undrafted to both the OHL and NHL, the former Windsor Spitfire Memorial Cup champion established himself as an important piece of Carolina's blue line, logging significant minutes throughout the postseason. The Hurricanes' championship team was guided by several staff members with OHL roots. Assistant coach Jeff Daniels played four seasons with the Oshawa Generals from 1984-88, while assistant coach Tim Gleason starred with the Windsor Spitfires from 1999-2003. Carolina's hockey operations department also features numerous OHL connections, including amateur scout Don Elland, who served with the Plymouth Whalers from 2010-15, amateur scout Ian Meagher, whose OHL experience includes roles with the Barrie Colts, Saginaw Spirit, and Hamilton Bulldogs, and director of professional scouting Mark Craig, a former head coach of the Windsor Spitfires and general manager of the Plymouth Whalers. The Hurricanes finished the regular season among the NHL's top contenders before advancing through four playoff rounds to claim the Stanley Cup. OHL Alumni crowned 2026 Stanley Cup Champions with the Carolina Hurricanes: Forwards: Jordan Staal (Peterborough Petes, 2003-06) Taylor Hall (Windsor Spitfires, 2007-10) Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts, 2017-18) Defencemen: Jalen Chatfield (Windsor Spitfires, 2014-18) Hockey Ops./Front Office: Assistant Coach – Jeff Daniels (Oshawa Generals, 1984-88) Assistant Coach – Tim Gleason (Windsor Spitfires, 1999-2003) Goaltending Coach – Paul Schonfelder (Ottawa 67's, 1999-2000; Goaltending Coach, 2014-17) Amateur Scout – Don Elland (Plymouth Whalers, 2010-15) Amateur Scout – Ian Meagher (Barrie Colts, Saginaw Spirit, Hamilton Bulldogs, 2011-22) Director of Professional Scouting – Mark Craig (Windsor Spitfires, Plymouth Whalers)

Windsor Spitfires Complete 2026 OHL Priority Selection

chlwebproduct — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:11:23 +0000

KINGSTON, ON. The Windsor Spitfires have completed the 2026 OHL Priority Selection on Saturday afternoon in The Limestone City. The Spitfires selected 8 forwards, 5 defenceman and 2 goalies over the two day draft.

1st Round, 16th Overall — Lauchlan Whelan (C)

A skilled two-way center from the Quinte Red Devils program, Whelan projects as a player who can contribute in all situations. At nearly 6 feet tall with solid strength already, he has the frame and hockey sense to develop into a reliable top-six OHL forward.

4th Round, 69th Overall — Jake LaMontagne (LD)

A physically mature left-shot defenseman, LaMontagne brings size and strength from the highly regarded Detroit HoneyBaked program. His profile suggests a defense-first blueliner who can handle tough minutes and play a heavy game in his own zone.

4th Round, 79th Overall — Ryan Hanutke (LW)

Coming from Shattuck-St. Mary's, Hanutke arrives with experience in one of North America's premier development environments. Though not the biggest winger, he appears to combine skill and competitiveness and could develop into a versatile offensive contributor.

7th Round, 126th Overall — Cameron Jolicoeur (LW)

One of the biggest forwards Windsor selected, Jolicoeur already possesses a pro-style frame. His size gives him intriguing upside as a power forward who can create space, win puck battles, and become difficult to contain along the boards.

7th Round, 137th Overall — Jack Trupiano (C)

A sturdy center from the Detroit Little Caesars program, Trupiano brings a strong combination of size and positional value. Centers with his build often develop into dependable matchup players capable of contributing at both ends of the ice.

8th Round, 157th Overall — Nolan Hardy (G)

Hardy gives Windsor its first goaltender of the draft. Coming from the Toronto Marlboros organization, he has been developed in a strong competitive environment and offers a solid athletic foundation for long-term goalie development.

9th Round, 177th Overall — Will Johnston (LD)

A defender from Shattuck-St. Mary's, Johnston adds mobility and depth to Windsor's blue-line pipeline. Left-shot defensemen with strong developmental backgrounds and will be able to grow and mature physically.

10th Round, 197th Overall — Greyson Ward (LW)

Ward comes from Upper Canada College and brings a balanced physical profile. As a winger, he'll have an opportunity to develop into a complementary offensive player who can contribute with energy, forechecking, and secondary scoring.

11th Round, 207th Overall — Quentin Graham (LD)

Graham is a physically imposing left-shot defenseman with nearly 200 pounds already on his frame. His size and strength make him an intriguing developmental project who could evolve into a shutdown defender at the OHL level.

11th Round, 217th Overall — Kane Grayson (LD)

Standing over 6-foot-3, Grayson offers considerable upside simply because of his reach and frame. If he continues to add strength, he could become a difficult defender for opposing forwards to play against.

12th Round, 223rd Overall — Kai Duquette (LW)

A local product from Belle River and the Sun County Panthers, Duquette brings a strong blend of size and physicality. His frame suggests potential as a power winger who can play a straightforward north-south game.

12th Round, 239th Overall — Nathan Croskery (G)

Windsor's second goalie selection adds depth to the crease pipeline. Croskery is smaller than many modern goaltending prospects but has time to grow physically while refining his technical game.

13th Round, 257th Overall — Mcallister King (RD)

A right-shot defenseman from Rochester, King fills a valuable position. Right-handed defenders are always in demand, and his balanced size profile gives Windsor another long-term blue-line development project.

14th Round, 277th Overall — Kole Gahunia (C)

Gahunia is a quick, competitive center who plays with energy and determination. We identified Kole early in the year and tracked his progress throughout the year and he continued to impress us. We think he is just scratching the surface of his potential.

15th Round, 297th Overall — Stefano Chiavetti (C)

Chiavetti gives Windsor another hardworking center prospect to round out its draft class. Stefano is a player that is undersized but has a lot of skill to challenge opposing defensemen and drive his own line.

Full Results
Day 1 Broadcast
Day 2 Broadcast
Photo/Video: https://greenfly.media/g/1yf/nozchlrp

WINDSOR SPITFIRES SELECT LAUCHLAN WHELAN WITH 16TH OVERALL PICK IN 2026 OHL PRIORITY SELECTION

chlwebproduct — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:42:29 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WINDSOR, ON – The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce the selection of forward Lauchlan Whelan with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. Whelan, a highly-skilled and intelligent two-way centre, is regarded as one of the most complete forwards in the 2026 draft class. Throughout the 2025-26 season, the Quinte Red Devils standout showcased an impressive blend of hockey sense, playmaking ability, and offensive creativity while consistently contributing in all three zones. “Lauchlan is a player our scouting staff identified early in the season as someone who embodies the type of player we want in the Windsor Spitfires organization,” said General Manager Bill Bowler. “He is a highly competitive centre with excellent hockey IQ, strong habits away from the puck, and the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. We are thrilled to welcome him and his family to Windsor.” Elite Prospects ranked Whelan among the top prospects available in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, highlighting his elite off-puck awareness, strong play-driving abilities, and advanced playmaking instincts. Scouts praised his ability to consistently find open ice, create offensive opportunities for teammates, and compete in all situations. (Elite Prospects⁠) The six-foot-forward recorded 32 goals and 22 assists during the 2025-26 season and was a key contributor for his team throughout league play and tournament competition. “I’m extremely excited and honoured to be selected by the Windsor Spitfires,” said Whelan. “Windsor has a tremendous reputation in the OHL, and I can’t wait to meet my teammates. It was a great night to be able to meet the coaches, and the staff. It’s a special day for me and my family.” The Windsor Spitfires would like to congratulate Lauchlan and his family on being selected by the organization and welcome them to the Spitfires family. For continued coverage of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, visit the Spitfires’ official channels throughout the weekend.

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For media inquiries and interviews, please contact: Nick Welsh | Manager of Communications, Media and Community Relations & Video Coach | Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club WFCU Centre 8787 McHugh Street | Windsor, Ontario | N8S 0A1 W. 519-254-5000 ext 221 C. 289-233-1774 Email: Social@windsorspitfires.com

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

chlwebproduct — 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

chlwebproduct — 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

chlwebproduct — 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

chlwebproduct — 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

chlwebproduct — 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.