Jake LaMontagne Signs with Windsor Spitfires
Sixteen‑year‑old defenseman Jake LaMontagne has officially signed his standard player agreement with the Windsor Spitfires, the OHL club that drafted him 69th overall in the June draft.
From Compuware to Honeybaked
Born in New Hudson, Michigan, LaMontagne previously played for Compuware’s hockey program before deciding to join the Detroit Honeybaked Minor Midgets a year ago.
OHL Cup Victory and Defensive Impact
Playing for Honeybaked, he helped the team become the first American squad to capture the OHL Cup, contributing with a commanding presence on the blue line and a strong, physical style.
Draft Overview
He was the first of two fourth‑round selections made by Windsor in the OHL draft, joining three other Honeybaked defensemen—Max Lappan, Ivan Belikov and Liam Weaver—who were chosen in the first, second and sixth rounds respectively.
General Manager’s Praise
General manager Bill Bowler, who did not hold a pick in the second or third rounds, said he felt fortunate to acquire LaMontagne at 69th overall, noting the player’s big frame, consistency and strong character.
Competing for a Spot in a Deep Defense
The Spitfires’ defense is crowded with veterans such as Conor Walton, Jonathan Brown, Andrew Robinson, Sam Wathier, Grady Spicer, Jesse Debruyn, Drake Gram and forward‑turned defenseman Anthony Cristoforo, making LaMontagne’s path to a roster spot challenging.
Looking Ahead
LaMontagne described the Honeybaked locker room as a true family with second‑to‑none chemistry, a feeling he hopes to bring to Windsor, and said the move is just the beginning of a bigger journey as he works to grow larger, faster and more skilled.
