Windsor Spitfires’ 2026-27 Training Camp Shows New Leadership Options – The Hockey Writers – OHL

As the Windsor Spitfires wrap up their 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) training camp, we’re getting a glimpse into what will be a new leadership group.

Last season, the Spitfires had a veteran roster, which, naturally, meant mostly older leaders. They were led by captain Liam Greentree (New York Rangers) along with a group of alternates who were (again, mostly) on the brink of graduation. That’s what creates intrigue in this season’s training camp. Almost the entire group has moved on, including Greentree, which is a chance for others to step up and take an important leadership role. Let’s take a look at who’s emerging as possible options.

Walton and Cristoforo Prime Candidates for Captaincy

The Spitfires named Greentree captain in Jan. 2024, replacing forward Matthew Maggio, who had moved on to the New York Islanders’ system. Now, after two-and-a-half seasons with the “C,” Greentree has moved on and the club is looking for his successor. The two likeliest choices are one of defenceman Conor Walton and defenceman-turned-forward Anthony Cristoforo.

The 6-foot-5, 210-pound Walton came to the Spitfires at the very start of the 2023-24 season, literally as they were boarding a bus to face the Sarnia Sting in the season opener. He’s become a fixture on defence, using his size to hit everything, defending teammates without hesitation, and chipping in a few points on occasion.

In camp this season, he’s been a wrecking ball, taking control of the ice and playing a poised but energetic game. He’s a leader in the room, a real pick-me-up for the players, and you could absolutely make the argument that he’s ready for the captaincy.

The other option is likely Cristoforo. He was drafted as a defenceman in the first round of the 2022 OHL Draft, but had the opportunity to move up to forward last season and looked very comfortable. His game has always been simple: positional and intelligent in his own end with a strong desire to create offence when he has the chance to.

That’s one reason the Spitfires moved him up front; they have options on defence, so being a forward allows him to explore that creativity. He’s also a student of the game and well-liked in the room. There’s a vibe about him that screams future head coach.

Every team is allowed to dress three 20-year-old (overage) players in a game. Walton and Cristoforo are the Spitfires’ two, so far, and it would be a shock if one of them isn’t named captain at some point.

Who Leads the Intriguing Youth Movement?

The question now is: who would be the alternates? Last season, the club had Cristoforo, defenceman Wyatt Kennedy, plus forwards A.J. Spellacy (Chicago Blackhawks), Cole Davis, Ethan Belchetz (Utah Mammoth), Jack Nesbitt (Philadelphia Flyers) and, during the preseason, 17-year-old Ethan Garden. However, all have graduated except for Cristoforo and Garden.

The now 18-year-old Garden should get an “A.” While he’s just 5-foot-8, 165 pounds, he’s the energizer bunny who never stops skating, hitting, and creating. Head coach Greg Walters has praised him for how he plays the game the right way and has potential leadership qualities. Who else is in the mix?

Defenceman Andrew Robinson

We’ll start with defenceman Andrew Robinson. The 18-year-old was the club’s third-round pick in 2024 and has been impressive ever since. He’s a smooth skater who’s calm and focused in his own end, but can lead a rush and create offence with almost anyone.

In camp, he’s playing with confidence and leading the charge from the defence. Offensively, he’s gone coast-to-coast multiple times and had no issues going on offence right after stingy defence. He’s vocal, well-liked, and intelligent, bringing a vibe to the room that you can’t teach. The Edmonton Oilers’ 2026 pick is poised for a breakout season, and he’d be an almost perfect candidate for an “A.”

Defenceman Jonathan Brown

The next option could be defenceman Jonathan Brown. The 19-year-old Scarsdale, NY native came to the club as a free agent last season from Shattuck-St. Mary’s. While it took a bit for him to adjust to the league, he was a consistent, reliable defender by the second half and didn’t look back. Despite just six points in 67 games, he’s confident and focused in his own end and defends teammates without issue.

During camp, he’s taken that next step and been exactly what they’ve hoped for. He’s stood out in all areas and has shown patience in tough situations. He’s one of only a handful of players who are over 18 years old in the room, so this could certainly be a leadership option at some point.

Forward Caden Harvey

The third option is forward Caden Harvey. The Oilers’ sixth-round pick in 2026 had a strong second half and finished with 34 points in 68 games. He’s a quick center who uses his 6-foot-1, 183-pound frame to get to the net and get the shot off.

Camp has been a showcase for him. Last season, he took a bit of a backseat to the veterans as he was adjusting to the pace. Now, he’s one of the top forwards on a daily basis and showing that he’s ready to take that next step. While he’s not the most vocal on the ice, he leads by example, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see the coaches give him an “A” to see how he handles that area of the game.

Defenceman Sam Wathier

Finally, I’m going to add defenceman Sam Wathier. He was the Spitfires’ fifth-round pick in 2024 but chose to play for the U.S. National Team Development Program for two seasons. He’s committed to Boston College for 2027-28 and is a 6-foot-4, 220-pounder who can play a physical, defensive game and has the experience that a room could use.

He has stood out throughout camp as a leader on the ice: calm, confident, and leads his line by example. You can see players feeding off his energy. While he’s just 18, he could see an “A” at some point.

There’s plenty of time for the Spitfires to determine their new leadership group. While we don’t know who will be involved, we know it’s going to look very different from last season, and they’re going to lead this group into the new era.