Windsor Spitfires general manager Bill Bowler expressed satisfaction with his team's performance in the OHL Draft, despite limited early picks. The club selected 15 players over two days in Kingston, and Bowler believes they secured quality talent.
Draft Overview
“We’re really happy,” Bowler said. “You always want to leave the draft feeling good, and our scouting staff did a great job identifying players. With limited picks early, you’re hoping for quality players, and we think we’ve hit on a couple, but time will tell because you can’t judge a draft on draft day.”
The Spitfires have won four West Division titles in the past five seasons, which often means trading away draft picks for veteran players. This year, they had fewer early selections but made the most of their opportunities.
Round 1 (16th Overall): Lauchlan Whelan
Team: Quinte Red Devils U16
Position: Left Centre
Height/Weight: 5'11", 156 lbs
Stats: 34 GP, 32 G, 22 A, 54 PTS, 44 PIM
“Lauchlan is a talented kid, and to get him at 16, we think, is a steal,” Bowler said. “He’s just a complete player with offensive upside. This guy is the real deal.”
Round 4 (69th Overall): Jake LaMontagne
Team: Detroit Honeybaked 15's
Position: Left Defenceman
Height/Weight: 6'4", 198 lbs
Stats: 71 GP, 3 G, 48 A, 51 PTS, N/A PIM
“Huge frame and played on a championship team,” Bowler said. “Great character, physically can play in the league, and we have to make sure a development plan is in place for him and for the Spitfires.”
Round 4 (79th Overall): Ryan Hanutke
Team: Shattuck-St. Mary’s 15's
Position: Left Wing
Height/Weight: 5'8", 170 lbs
Stats: 50 GP, 32 G, 48 A, 80 PTS, 35 PIM
“Point producer, highly skilled and played on a national championship team,” Bowler said of the Wisconsin native. “This guy’s a higher pick if he’s in Ontario. We have to decide what’s best for him. He will be a Spitfire, it’s just a matter of when.”
Round 7 (126th Overall): Cameron Jolicoeur
Team: London Jr. Knights U16
Position: Left Wing
Height/Weight: 6'3", 233 lbs
Stats: 30 GP, 12 G, 29 A, 41 PTS, 34 PIM
“Big points for a physical player,” Bowler said of the Sarnia native who also plays football and lacrosse. “Hardnosed player, gritty player that, when committed to the game, he’ll be a real power forward in the league.”
Round 7 (137th Overall): Jack Trupiano
Team: Detroit Little Caesars 15's
Position: Right Centre
Height/Weight: 6'0", 183 lbs
Stats: 20 GP, 23 G, 18 A, 41 PTS, 27 PIM
“High-end player who is playing for the U.S. National Team Development Program,” Bowler said. “In two years (when his program commitment ends), this is an elite player. He’s a goal scorer.”
Round 8 (157th Overall): Nolan Hardy
Team: Toronto Marlboros U16
Position: Goaltender
Height/Weight: 6'1", 176 lbs
Stats: 3 GP, 1.91 GAA, .937 SV%
Bowler did not provide additional comments on Hardy, but the goaltender posted strong numbers in limited action.
The Spitfires' draft class includes a mix of size, skill, and potential, with several players expected to develop over the next few years.
