Windsor Spitfires Gear Up for 2026‑27 Season
Major Roster Changes After Key Departures
Two of the club’s top prospects, forward Ethan Belchetz and Jack Nesbitt, have left the Spitfires to play NCAA hockey at Michigan State and Michigan respectively, removing two NHL first‑round picks from the 2026‑27 roster.
Goaltending Outlook
After the departure of record‑setting netminder Joey Costanzo, 19‑year‑old Michael Newlove is slated to take the No. 1 spot, having posted a 12‑4‑2‑2 record, a 2.76 goals‑against average and two shutouts last season. Eighteen‑year‑old Jake Windbiel will serve as the backup, bringing more than 70 junior games from the LaSalle Vipers.
Forward Depth and New Roles
With eight forwards graduating or moving to the NCAA, the Spitfires will rely on third‑year Ethan Garden for a larger role, while second‑year forwards Johnny McLaughlin, Caden Harvey and Beks Makysh will also see increased responsibility. Defender Anthony Cristoforo, who contributed 22 goals last year, is expected to spend most of his time up front, giving the team a versatile option.
Recent Signings Bolster the Squad
The organization added nine players in the past six weeks, including 19‑year‑old Red Wings draft pick Michal Svrcek and 17‑year‑old Russian prospect Bogdan Yakushevsky, a top‑50 NHL Draft candidate. The club also secured 2025 third‑rounder Ty Bergeron and expects 2024 third‑rounder Max Brocklehurst to be ready for a full‑time role. Additional depth comes from 2026 first‑round pick Lauchlan Whelan, 2025 U18 top pick Hamza Havusic, veterans Shawn Costello and Cole Dubowsky, and 2025 second‑rounder Ian Inskip.
Defensive Core and Size Additions
Windsor’s defense is anchored by towering Conor Walton, puck‑moving Andrew Robinson and physical Jonathan Brown. Size was reinforced with the signing of 6’3” Sam Wathier from the U.S. National Team Development Program and 6’3” Grady Spicer, while draft picks Drake Gram, Jesse Debruyn and Jake LaMontagne will compete for minutes.
GM Bill Bowler’s Vision
General manager Bill Bowler says the roster overhaul, which made the team younger without sacrificing draft assets or cutting prospects, creates competition at nearly every position. He believes the hungry, talented group can surprise opponents and remain in contention for the West Division title, emphasizing that the team’s success will depend on performance and the ability to adapt.
