The Windsor Spitfires continue to churn out NHL prospects as three players were chosen in this weekend’s 2026 NHL Draft, including one that could be considered mammoth.
At the 2024 and 2025 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Drafts, Spitfires’ general manager Bill Bowler slowly built around the youth with this weekend’s draft being part of the long-term plan. The hope is that they would learn from the veterans, get drafted this weekend, and then take on a bigger role with the Spitfires starting this September for 2026-27. The NHL took notice, and it’s paid off for three players as they heard their name called on Friday (first round) and Saturday (Rounds 2-7).
Belchetz Selected by Utah Mammoth
The Spitfires didn’t have to wait long on Friday evening for their first name to be called to the podium. With the 17th overall pick, the Utah Mammoth made it official and selected forward Ethan Belchetz.
His story has been an interesting one. When Bowler had the first overall pick in the 2024 OHL Draft, he had no hesitation in selecting the 6-foot-5, 228-pound Belchetz. The Oakville native was a leader for his Oakville Rangers U16 AAA team, and the Spitfires believed he could be a force for them.
Belchetz came as-advertised with 51 goals and 97 points in 113 games, including a breakout 34-goal campaign in 2025-26. He was physical, dominant at both ends of the ice, and was a leader in the room and the community.
Ethan Belchetz in Utah 🔜 #TusksUp | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/r0kZg6vPbf
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) June 27, 2026
Unfortunately, both of his seasons ended just before the playoffs with a pair of unrelated injuries. It didn’t dampen his spirits at the draft, though. He was rated anywhere from sixth to 13th, so when the Mammoth took him at 17, there was a grin from ear-to-ear from hearing his name called to joining his media availability following the pick.
“You can’t really put it into words,” he said. “All I can say is excitement and ready to go and get to work.”
It’s a bittersweet moment for the Spitfires. While being selected is a huge accomplishment, he won’t get to celebrate it with their fans. In May, after the season ended, Belchetz announced he was committed to Michigan State University for 2026-27 thanks to the new NCAA transfer rule. However, after the draft, he immediately thanked the Spitfires and credited them with developing him into the person and player he is today.
“(The Spitfires are) an unbelievable organization,” Belchetz said. “They did so much for me, (head coach) Greg Walters and his staff including Bill Bowler. Every single person who works for the Spitfires really did a lot for me. They’re so good with teaching me the pro style and how to deal with adversity. I owe a lot to those guys.”
During his media time, Belchetz talked about how he loves outdoor activities when he’s not at the rink. Utah is ideal for that lifestyle, and he added, “I really can’t wait to see the mountains.” It could be a perfect match.
Edmonton Oilers Choose a Pair of Spitfires
The draft continued on Saturday morning and, in the fifth and sixth rounds, the Spitfires were able to celebrate two players with the same club.
With their fifth-round pick, 133rd overall, the Edmonton Oilers selected Spitfires’ defenceman Andrew Robinson. The 6-foot, 190-pounder was the Spitfires’ third-round pick in 2024, and he got a cup of coffee in the OHL to finish off 2024-25 before becoming a regular last season. He finished with 24 points in 63 games, including a hat-trick at home against the London Knights on March 15.
He’s a smooth skater who plays a smart, sometimes physical game in his own end while showing a budding offensive game. He knows when to pinch and, when he does, he gets the puck on net or shows creativity with his stickhandling.
During his post-draft media availability, he said it’s a special moment to celebrate with his family.
“It’s unbelievable,” Robinson said. “It’s cliche to say but I have no words right now. Just hugging my family there when my name was called was so special.”
He credited the OHL’s 68-game schedule and the Spitfires’ playoff run, as it allowed him to learn from mistakes and learn about himself as a player. He also said the Spitfires’ staff have been huge for him.
“They’ve meant the world to me,” Robinson said. “I wouldn’t be here without them. They’ve taught me everything I know.”
One round later, 180th overall, the Oilers went back to the Spitfires to take forward Caden Harvey. The Beaver, PA native was drafted by Bowler in the 2025 OHL Draft, but was a year older than most picks. He had 34 points in 68 games, showing an improved confidence as the season went along. He uses his size along the boards, developing speed, and a growing confidence around the net. He’ll take the 2026-27 campaign to hopefully break out and show everyone what he’s truly capable of.
With the 180th-overall pick, the #Oilers have selected forward Caden Harvey from @SpitsHockey of @OHLHockey! #NHLDraft | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/AZCC2stIEG
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 27, 2026
While Belchetz is a Michigan State University commit for 2026-27, both Robinson and Harvey are looking at the same plan, just down the road a bit. Robinson is committed to Providence College while Harvey is committed to Penn State University, both in 2027-28.
The next event for Bowler and the Spitfires is the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft on Tues., June 30.
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