The Windsor Spitfires are facing significant roster changes, but general manager Bill Bowler is not panicking. A week after learning that second-year forward Ethan Belchetz, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 OHL Draft, will leave for Michigan State University next season, the team is also expected to lose former first-round pick Jack Nesbitt to the University of Michigan. Despite these departures, Bowler remains confident in the team's ability to adapt.
No Quick Fix, but No Panic
Bowler acknowledged that there is no immediate solution to fill the gaps, but he emphasized a measured approach. "You just need time, but I'm confident we'll figure this out and get back to putting a competitive team on the ice," he said. "We won't dwell on it, I can assure you that." The Spitfires have won four of the last five West Division titles, and Bowler is focused on building from within.
League-Wide Challenges
Windsor is not alone in facing NCAA departures. The Saginaw Spirit, a potential West Division favorite for 2026-27, will lose scoring leader Nikita Klepov to Michigan State and Egor Barabanov to UMass Amherst. The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds may lose top defenceman prospect Chase Reid to Michigan State, while the Flint Firebirds and Sarnia Sting are also expected to lose key players. Bowler noted, "Different teams, I can't comment on them. They may all be losing players."
Focus on Internal Development
With the OHL trade season not starting until next month, Bowler is concentrating on prospects already in the Spitfires' system. "That's why it's important to always be developing your whole roster and the players in your system and on your 50-man list," he said. Up front, the team will rely on returning players like Ethan Garden (41 points in 65 games), Beks Makysh (39 points as a rookie), Caden Harvey (34 points as a rookie), and 2025 first-round pick Johnny McLaughlin, who impressed in the playoffs with eight points in 13 games.
Potential Offensive Boost from Within
Max Brocklehurst, a former third-round pick who spent time with the club's top affiliate in LaSalle, is expected to take on a full-time role next season and could provide an offensive spark. Additionally, 2007-born forwards Cole Dubowsky (34 games with the Spitfires) and Shawn Costello, who also finished in LaSalle, could add veteran presence and grit. The team will also evaluate whether 2025 second-round pick Ian Inskip is ready for full-time duty after a season in LaSalle.
Bowler remains optimistic about the team's direction, emphasizing that patience and development are key to maintaining competitiveness in the OHL.
