The Windsor Spitfires are in a unique position as they head into the 2024-25 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) playoffs. Despite being near the top of the Western Conference, it’s their youth who have made a surprising mark on the club.
Last season, the Spitfires struggled to get out of the league’s basement, finishing second last overall. Thanks to general manager Bill Bowler going all-in for both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, the club lacked 16-year-olds (2007-born) aside from first-round pick forward Jack Nesbitt. However, finishing near the bottom, combined with a busy January 2024 trade deadline, gave them numerous high-end picks in last April’s OHL Draft. The club went out and targeted players that not only had potential for the future but could possibly help in the short-term, too. Add in a new head coach in Greg Walters and it’s worked like a charm.
2008-Group’s Ice Time Proving Vital For Future
In September, they had a talented roster including captain Liam Greentree (Los Angeles Kings) and Import pick Ilya Protas (Washington Capitals). The club also had rookies Ethan Belchetz (first overall), second-round picks J.C. Lemieux and defenceman Carter Hicks, plus ninth-rounder Ethan Garden. However, expectations were modest. Fortunately, Walters, plus assistants Casey Torres and Kris Newbury, designed new systems and everyone bought in. The rookies have earned ice time and the coaches’ trust. After a game on Feb. 13, Walters said they’ve lucked out.
“They’ve all proven, in big moments and big games, where they can play,” he said. “Belchetz is a mainstay there, but Lemieux and Garden have come so far away from the puck that it’s easy for me to trust them in big moments … Hicks is so competitive. I think one of his best games of the season was against the London Knights; having two assists as a 16-year-old.”
Unfortunately, the club has seen plenty of injuries and suspensions. However, Walters said the rookies step right in.
“(Forward) Ryan Abraham came out, it’s the next guy in,” he said. “We keep going. All the credit goes to them. Torres and Newbury, the extra work they do with these guys after practice. (Skating coach) Kathy McLlwain does a great job with the skating. (Conditioning coach Rob) Maggio is so awesome with our training.”
Related: Windsor Spitfires Look for Immediate Help at 2024 OHL Draft
Walters has coached since 2002-03. Usually when you contend, the veterans get heavy ice time. However, that’s not necessarily his philosophy.
“When you go back through, to my coaching, I’ve always played young guys,” he said. “I believe you might take some hits early in the season, but by the end of the time, you see the skill set and the work ethic. I’ve always played young guys that deserve to play.”
Rookies Help Club Aim for Top Seed
Making the OHL as a 16-year-old is tough but these four have earned their ice. Hicks, now 17, has become a reliable part of the defence. He said the 2024 U17 World Challenge in November and scoring his first goal in his first game back helped his confidence. He also said the Spitfires’ veterans were key.
“It’s kind of scary at first because you see these players and how great they are,” he said. “But that’s how you get better when you play against better players. They make you better. You ask them questions on what you can do better to defend better. Those players have definitely helped me a lot and I’m very thankful for that.”
Lemieux has 17 points in 40 games, earning some top-six ice time. He was nervous early but has grown more comfortable and is enjoying any ice time he’s being given.
“I’m a rookie, I’m 16 years old, so every time I’m getting ice time, just play hockey and enjoy it,” he said. “(Ice time) helps me to be confident with or without the puck…”
The rookies have helped the Spitfires clinch a playoff spot but they want that first seed. Greentree was a rookie for their 2022-23 first-round elimination and missed the playoffs last season. He wants the playoff run.
“For us, (clinching is) another ‘check off the box’,” Greentree said after a game on Feb. 13. “After last season, it was a tough break for us … I never really had a playoff experience. My first season was a little unique as well, so I’m really excited to be a big part of this team coming into playoff time.”
Nobody expected the Spitfires to contend this season. However, they are and having four rookies be significant contributors can only help in the future.
