Spitfires Get Glimpse Into Future at 2026 Draft Orientation Camp

While this summer has been about getting ready for the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) season for the Windsor Spitfires, this weekend was about looking even further down the road.

It’s no secret that Spitfires’ general manager Bill Bowler has plenty of work to do this summer. Thanks to heavy graduation, a roster rebuild is in order. However, that won’t be done overnight, and it also has to include a long-term vision. Part of that took place this weekend at their annual Draft Orientation Camp, featuring 16 players from the 2026 OHL and Under-18 Drafts. This was a chance for first looks, first conversations, and some building for the future.

Whelan Soaking in the Opportunity

The OHL Under-18 Draft was held online on Mon., June 8, while the 2026 OHL Draft was held on Fri., June 12 and Sat., June 13 in Kingston. These were Bowler’s chance to get OHL-ready talent, along with several players who could fit into the club’s long-term plans.

Their first pick in the OHL Draft, 16th overall, was Quinte Red Devils U16 AAA forward Lauchlan Whelan. The 5-foot-11, 156-pounder got his first taste of the WFCU Centre ice (in the community rinks) during the orientation camp. While he showed his skills on the ice, he was also taking in the experience. Between the season and the draft, it’s been chaotic, but he said he’s had a chance to soak it in with his family.

“This previous weekend, I just took it all in with my family,” Whelan said. “They were all there for me at the draft. To spend it with them, they all came over to my house and we all celebrated together. Again, this is just the start of something new.”

When his name was announced by Bowler, Whelan came advertised as a dynamic offensive forward who could create, score, and play a strong game at both ends. However, there is a lot off the ice that he wants to bring to the table. He said being a great person is very important.

“I just want to be a great person off the ice,” Whelan said. “Someone you can rely on and lean on. It doesn’t even have to be towards hockey. It can be something personal. I want to be known as someone’s best friend. Someone you can always know will have your back.”

Whelan showed his skills on the ice at camp with impressive control, a quick hard shot, and a willingness to drive the net that you can’t teach. He was a clear standout that brought some reaction from players. This was as good of a first impression as you’re going to see, which has to put a smile on Bowler’s face.

Multiple Prospects Make an Impression

The reality of the Spitfires’ situation is that the club could have room for more than just Whelan on the roster in September. With numerous players graduating, including captain Liam Greentree (New York Rangers) and forward A.J. Spellacy (Chicago Blackhawks), there are multiple roster spots available.

The players seemed to get that message loud and clear. A good showing here leaves an impression and they didn’t miss. Spitfires’ fourth-round pick in the OHL Draft, defenceman Jake LaMontagne, looked like a veteran on the blue line. He was poised, showed good speed and footwork for a 6-foot-4, 198-pounder, used that size well, and made life tough for anyone around him.

Another head-turner was 15th-round OHL pick forward Stefano Chiavetti. While he’s just 5-foot-6, 140 pounds, he had a quick first step, showed impressive top speed, and had no fear in traffic or around the net. Being a late pick doesn’t mean you can’t make the club, either. Former Spitfires’ veteran forward Noah Morneau was a 15th-round pick in 2020 who spent a season with the LaSalle Vipers Jr. B before making the OHL, eventually finishing his career with 73 points in 68 games in 2024-25. Now he’s in the NCAA playing for Bowling Green State University.

Head coach Greg Walters and his staff put the Spitfires’ prospects through various drills, including off-ice workouts, skating drills, goaltending tests, various offensive and defensive zone concepts, plus some three-on-three action, and a shootout to close out Saturday.

The Windsor #Spitfires held their 2026 Orientation Camp on Saturday at the WFCU Centre. Players from the 2026 OHL and Under-18 Drafts were invited and most were able to attend. It consisted of off-ice workouts, drills, and a three-on-three scrimmage. #OHL pic.twitter.com/cqXSk7pdyi

— Dave Jewell (@DaveJewellOHL) June 20, 2026

It was an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other, show what the WFCU Centre has to offer, and work on plans for the summer and beyond. This weekend was the beginning of a process, not only for the Spitfires but the players, too. Where they go from here is up to the players as much as anyone else. If this weekend was any indication, though, Bowler, Walters, and their staff are going to have some tough decisions ahead of them.