Ethan Belchetz Set to Join Windsor Spitfires, Eyes NHL Draft Selection
Ethan Belchetz is preparing for a significant milestone in his hockey career. While he will head to Michigan State University next season, Belchetz will officially be announced as a member of the Windsor Spitfires when his name is called during the first round of the upcoming NHL Draft in Buffalo on Friday.
Despite his commitment to play college hockey, Belchetz’s selection as a Spitfire marks a proud moment for both the player and the organization. Windsor general manager Bill Bowler expressed optimism about the occasion.
“This will hopefully be a great day for Ethan and his family and also for the Spitfires,” Bowler said. “We’re expecting a great evening on Friday.”
Spitfires Continue First-Round Draft Tradition
If Belchetz is selected in the first round, it would mark the third consecutive year the Spitfires have produced a prospect chosen in the opening round. Jack Nesbitt was selected in 2025, and Liam Greentree heard his name called in 2024. The only other time the franchise achieved this feat was during a remarkable three-year stretch from 2008 to 2010, when Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler (2010), Ryan Ellis (2009), and Josh Bailey and Greg Nemisz (2008) were all first-round picks.
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Four Spitfires made the final Central Scouting rankings. Rookie forward Caden Harvey came in at No. 188 after scoring 34 points in 68 games during his first OHL season.
“I’ve had a lot of conversations with teams and I’m excited for the draft and ready to get it over with, but I’m going to stay home,” Harvey said. “Whoever drafted me, I would be honored.”
Defenseman Grader Spicer, who spent most of last season with the LaSalle Vipers, landed at No. 212 on the final list. Selected by the Spitfires in the fourth round of the 2024 OHL Draft, the 6-foot, 179-pound Spicer appeared in three games for Windsor last season and is expected to assume a regular role with the club in 2026-27.
Goaltender Michael Newlove was on the preliminary watch list and ranked No. 32 among North American goaltenders in the interim rankings but did not make the final list. He posted a 2.76 goals-against average and .886 save percentage in 23 games.
“I’ve talked to a few teams,” Newlove said. “A few are more interested than others.”
Carson Woodall, a Belle River defenseman who ranked second among OHL defensemen with 63 points in 68 games, made the interim list but also fell from the final rankings. He plans to play at Boston College next season.
“I haven’t heard anything from any team about camps or the draft, so I don’t expect anything, but you’re always hopeful,” Woodall said.
Kazakh forward Beks Makysh was on the watch list at the start of the season but did not make the interim or final lists. He finished ninth in OHL rookie standings with 39 points in 68 games.
“I didn’t really talk to a lot of teams, but there were a few teams that sent out their questionnaires,” Makysh said. “I hope some teams are interested in me. Of course it would be great to be drafted. That’s a dream for every hockey player.”
Bowler Remains Cautiously Optimistic
While only four Spitfires landed in the final Central Scouting rankings, several appeared on the lists at various points throughout the season. Bowler emphasized that draft rankings are not the final word on a player’s potential.
“Draft rankings are speculation,” Bowler said. “We wish all our players good luck at the weekend. I hope some Spitfires hear their name called, but that is out of our hands and we can only watch like fans.”
Beyond the Spitfires, other local prospects are also poised for draft weekend. Zach Jovanovski of Tecumseh, who plays for the Guelph Storm, was rated 12th among North American goaltenders in the final rankings after posting a 3.39 goals-against average and .890 save percentage in 52 games last season.
The NHL Draft continues on Saturday with rounds two through seven, where several Spitfires hopefuls will look to have their lifelong dreams realized.
