Patience Pays Off: Spitfires Land Signed Commitment from Defenseman Sam Wathier
Two years after drafting Sam Wathier, the Windsor Spitfires have finally secured the defenseman’s commitment to the club for the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League season.
The Spitfires selected Wathier in the fifth round of the 2024 OHL Draft, but the franchise always knew the 18-year-old was committed to spending two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program before making the jump to major junior hockey. Now that commitment has concluded, and Wathier is ready to don the Spitfires jersey.
“I’m so excited,” Wathier said. “I have been waiting for this to be signed and done for a long time. I’ve been following the Spits for a year because after Christmas I kind of realized I wanted to stay here for a year. I can’t wait to play in front of the great fans they have.”
Background and Development
Wathier was born in Des Moines, Iowa, but his roots run deep in Ontario. His father, Francis Wathier, spent 10 years playing for the NHL’s Dallas Stars, and the family’s ties are primarily to Casselman, Ontario, roughly 55 kilometres southwest of Ottawa. His parents are originally from the area, and he played part of his minor hockey with the Eastern Ontario Wild program based in the Ottawa region.
Because he was born in the United States, Wathier had the opportunity to represent his birth country through the national team development pathway. He spent the past two seasons with the United States National Team Development Program, competing at the highest under-17 and under-18 levels and gaining valuable international tournament experience.
Injury and the Decision to Choose Junior Over NCAA
A shoulder injury that required surgery cut short Wathier’s season with the U.S. U18 national team last year. Despite the setback, the blueliner used the experience as motivation, ultimately deciding to play an additional year of junior hockey before pursuing his NCAA career at Boston College.
“This year I personally made the decision to play another year of junior, and Boston College respected that decision,” Wathier said. “I could have gone to the NCAA, but I felt another year as a junior would be good for me. I’m just looking forward to a new opponent.”
Standing 1.80 metres tall and weighing 100 kilograms, Wathier believes the extra development year in the OHL will pay dividends for his long-term aspirations. “My goal is to play professionally one day. I think this choice will prepare me for my future. This season will be a big year for me. I’ll get a lot of reps and game exposure and just be able to add even more tools to my toolbox.”
Spitfires View Wathier as Major Addition
Spitfires general manager Bill Bowler expressed enthusiasm about finally having Wathier in the fold. “This is a big addition to our team. Having played for the last two years, it couldn’t have come at a better time for him to join us.”
Bowler praised Wathier’s two-way potential. “He’s a huge body that can cover a lot of ice, defends extremely well and I think he has some untapped offensive skills.”
The Spitfires had been looking to sign up to three first-year defensemen — Grady Spicer, Jesse Debruyn, and Drake Gram — for the 2026-27 season. Wathier’s addition gives Windsor another stable, mature presence on the back end alongside those prospects.
Wathier Embraces Leadership Role
Rather than simply viewing himself as another newcomer, Wathier is setting his sights on making an immediate impact in the locker room. “I want to come in and try to take on a leadership role,” said Wathier, who noted he would consider playing a second season with the Spitfires after the 2026-27 campaign concludes. “I know they have some young guys on the team and I’ve had some great experiences over the last two years at some big international tournaments and some big moments. I want to come in and try to be a leader and a role model for the younger guys.”
He also expressed gratitude toward the organization for believing in him. “I’m glad Windsor took a chance on me.”
Eyeing the NHL Draft
Before he can fully focus on his OHL career, Wathier has another milestone on the horizon. He is traveling to Buffalo this weekend for the NHL Draft, where he hopes to hear his name called.
“It’s going to be a fun day,” Wathier said. “I’m excited, but I’m going there with no expectations.”
Bowler noted that the club always projected Wathier as a potential NHL selection. “When we selected him, we assumed he would be an NHL pick. We are ready to work with Sam and hope to see his name called this weekend.”
For Wathier and the Spitfires, the partnership represents a shared vision of development, growth, and pursuing professional hockey dreams — and both sides are eager to get started.
