The Windsor Spitfires got a glimpse into their future this weekend at their annual Draft Orientation Camp. Part of that included a major puzzle piece putting pen to paper.
While missing out on the 2023-24 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Playoffs was frustrating, the Spitfires saw the silver linings. After winning the 2024 OHL Draft Lottery in late March, they came away with the first overall pick for April’s OHL Priority Selection. On top of that, they had multiple high picks thanks to previous moves from general manager Bill Bowler. It set them up well and this past weekend was their chance to show the newest draft picks what the organization and the City of Windsor were all about. They also took care of some much-needed business while giving fans a look into the upcoming off-season.
Belchetz Officially Signs OHL Contract
On Saturday afternoon, the Spitfires invited their season ticket holders to come to the arena for a meeting with Bowler, who was going to answer questions and talk about the team’s approach to the off-season. However, before the questions started, the team had a surprise for the fans. Bowler brought out last month’s first overall pick, forward Ethan Belchetz.
The youngster introduced himself to the fans, talked about his game, and then did something few expected – he signed his OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement in front of everyone. After, he said that being able to do this in front of the fans was very important to him.
“(To do it) with all of the Windsor Spitfires’ season ticket holders, that was something that was really important to me,” Belchetz said. “I wanted to do it in Windsor at Orientation Camp with everyone in attendance … Having talks with Bill Bowler, I’m extremely happy it could be done in front of the season ticket holders. They’re what keeps this organization going…”
The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Oakville native had 46 goals and 84 points in 34 games last season for the Oakville Rangers U16 AAA. He added another 11 points in seven OHL Cup games on route to being named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Belchetz said the goal was to win the OHL Cup and get drafted, and now it has come true. However, he continued to be that team player that the Spitfires appreciate. He said he was thrilled to celebrate his friends and teammates getting drafted,…
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