Windsor Spitfires 2024-25 Season Thread, Part III

[DetSpitsFan]

What about Easton Pace?

Pace appeals to me, as he’s an 07’. Under 6 foot, but a Michigan kid, which makes me think college route.

The thing I can’t really figure out is why he’s only got 5 games played with Tri City Storm in the USHL.

He was over a point a game in 22-23 (112 in 79 games but I get in that level of hockey it’s not unheard of) with Little Caesars and then only played 15 games (19 points) with LC last year.

I guess I don’t follow all that much pre-juniors, so maybe I just don’t know, but elite prospects doesn’t have him getting ice time anywhere right now.

You’d think with the NCAA rules now, if Windsor wanted him, he’d be here? He’s from about 45 minutes from Windsor but stateside. I mean, he’s 17, so no gold package? If he’s an option we might want, I don’t see why we wouldn’t sign him and bring him along to at least practice regularly

 

[OHLTG]

The thing I can’t really figure out is why he’s only got 5 games played with Tri City Storm in the USHL.

Maybe it was an injury? I don't know, but he's played as recently as the last week.

 

[windsor7]

New change in jersey rights and equipment rights during 2025/26 for chl season.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

This years OHL draft is going to be fascinating with the new rules allowing for CHL kids to play in the NCAA. Yesterday you saw Michigan State forward Christian Humphreys sign with Kitchener and if I was a betting man, he’ll be back at Michigan State after next year.

I would not be surprised if we start to see programs partner with certain OHL teams to have their commits play in the CHL then move onto the NCAA when they’re more mature and ready to play there. Both leagues will benefit from this.

With this years draft, you’re going to see the American kids/NCAA bound Canadians drafted closer than where they should go. So no more Lukas Fischer’s going in the 11th round of the OHL draft. Even if there is little interest of coming OHL for these types of kids we’re going to start to see them drafted MUCH higher now.

There are going to be a ton of Americans drafted in the first round and you’re going to see kids that would have gone USDP in previous years, come to the OHL instead then leave in their 18/19 year old seasons to go NCAA.

It’s a new world we live in now, the OHL draft is going to be crazier this year than it ever has been. I wouldn’t be surprised to see guys like Easton Pace/Andrew Robinson/Sam Wathier here at some point in the future because of the new rules.

 

[Cherrydon]

Maybe it was an injury? I don't know, but he's played as recently as the last week.

No idea if he was still practicing with the USNDTP and was demoted from the squad? Couldn't find any injury news. Says he joined Tri-city sounding like recent explains only 5 games all recent. Saw a blog video where he said he didn't join the Spits only because he wanted to play NCAA so why he went to USHL team instead of the Spits no idea. He is similar to Brocklehurst.

This years OHL draft is going to be fascinating with the new rules allowing for CHL kids to play in the NCAA. Yesterday you saw Michigan State forward Christian Humphreys sign with Kitchener and if I was a betting man, he’ll be back at Michigan State after next year.

I would not be surprised if we start to see programs partner with certain OHL teams to have their commits play in the CHL then move onto the NCAA when they’re more mature and ready to play there. Both leagues will benefit from this.

With this years draft, you’re going to see the American kids/NCAA bound Canadians drafted closer than where they should go. So no more Lukas Fischer’s going in the 11th round of the OHL draft. Even if there is little interest of coming OHL for these types of kids we’re going to start to see them drafted MUCH higher now.

There are going to be a ton of Americans drafted in the first round and you’re going to see kids that would have gone USDP in previous years, come to the OHL instead then leave in their 18/19 year old seasons to go NCAA.

It’s a new world we live in now, the OHL draft is going to be crazier this year than it ever has been. I wouldn’t be surprised to see guys like Easton Pace/Andrew Robinson/Sam Wathier here at some point in the future because of the new rules.

Outstanding comments as always!! Thank you GermanSpitfire!!

 

[tomschman]

This years OHL draft is going to be fascinating with the new rules allowing for CHL kids to play in the NCAA. Yesterday you saw Michigan State forward Christian Humphreys sign with Kitchener and if I was a betting man, he’ll be back at Michigan State after next year.

I would not be surprised if we start to see programs partner with certain OHL teams to have their commits play in the CHL then move onto the NCAA when they’re more mature and ready to play there. Both leagues will benefit from this.

With this years draft, you’re going to see the American kids/NCAA bound Canadians drafted closer than where they should go. So no more Lukas Fischer’s going in the 11th round of the OHL draft. Even if there is little interest of coming OHL for these types of kids we’re going to start to see them drafted MUCH higher now.

There are going to be a ton of Americans drafted in the first round and you’re going to see kids that would have gone USDP in previous years, come to the OHL instead then leave in their 18/19 year old seasons to go NCAA.

It’s a new world we live in now, the OHL draft is going to be crazier this year than it ever has been. I wouldn’t be surprised to see guys like Easton Pace/Andrew Robinson/Sam Wathier here at some point in the future because of the new rules.

The only part that I disagree with is players passing up the USDP. Players on the USDP get to play in the U17 challange, the World U18 Championships, and have a preferred shot at making the WJC when they are 18/19. It would be a personal choice, but playing for your country can be a huge draw.

 

[windsor7]

The only part that I disagree with is players passing up the USDP. Players on the USDP get to play in the U17 challange, the World U18 Championships, and have a preferred shot at making the WJC when they are 18/19. It would be a personal choice, but playing for your country can be a huge draw.

And hopefully their country picks them to play..

 

[GermanSpitfire]

The only part that I disagree with is players passing up the USDP. Players on the USDP get to play in the U17 challange, the World U18 Championships, and have a preferred shot at making the WJC when they are 18/19. It would be a personal choice, but playing for your country can be a huge draw.

There has been a lot of highly thought of Americans whose stock has dropped significantly after joining the NTDP. Only so much playing time for some of the country’s most talented players. Kids like James Hagens, Will Smith and Logan Cooley are likely going to still end up at the program. But the talented offensive kids who are slated to play more bottom-6 roles like William Horcoff or William Belle may find themselves in the CHL instead.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

Seems like really the league that gets hurt by it, is the USHL. I mean we’ve already got Muskegon and Youngstown trying to jump over to the O…

USNTDP is such an oddly run program, and for someone that’s watched a lot of junior hockey, it’s hard for any fan to get in to. You have two separate teams, under one name in the standings of a league that operates differently from every other team in the league.

I can see pros and cons to USNTDP, but with a couple more gold medals. I could see high end US talent favoring that if given the option of US/CHL. Otherwise, OHL then NCAA seems like a great route. I’ve always thought OHL is more appealing to higher end guys that college, because if you’re looking at a Pro Career, why be forced to balance academics with hockey. No harm in doing school after juniors

 

[punch1943]

Someone correct me if I’m wrong please. If the Spits were to make a trade for an O/A d-man today and if that trade didn’t include one of our present 3 O/A players we would need to trade/waive one of those 3 by noon tomorrow.

 

[ohloutsider]

Someone correct me if I’m wrong please. If the Spits were to make a trade for an O/A d-man today and if that trade didn’t include one of our present 3 O/A players we would need to trade/waive one of those 3 by noon tomorrow.

Correct

 

[rve24]

Only way we’re going to beat London is to BEAT London lol

Might not wanna to be a fight they wanna pick, unless it gets way down the lineup but would be interesting to see play out.

 

[hockeylegend11]

Luke Mcnamara Windsor's newest forward will be wearing #29 when he suits up for the Spits.
It's the same number he wore in Kingston, in Saginaw he wore #90.
Quickie quiz who was the last Spitfire skater to wear #29?

 

[ohloutsider]

Luke Mcnamara Windsor's newest forward will be wearing #29 when he suits up for the Spits.
It's the same number he wore in Kingston, in Saginaw he wore #90.
Quickie quiz who was the last Spitfire skater to wear #29?

D'Amicio sp?

 

[hockeylegend11]

D'Amicio sp?

Very good Outsider in 21/22

 

[windsor7]

Flint is active in deadline..

 

[Fastpace]

Spits management are looking for Luke MacNamara's playoffs experience and leadership to calm the young players. It may turn out to be a very thought out acquisition by the Spits, the type that will not disrupt team chemistry, and that's very important

 

[EastVsWest]

Sucks we didnt get Smith but considering what Brampton used to get him im a lil less worried about it lol. The East is looking a lot more interesting now it seems that most of the places acquiring the good players are going there lol. Also im ok with the McNamara rumours im cool if he comes here. Seem like an Outwater-esque player but with a but less injury concerns. Decent 3rd line option. Hoping we go for Petrovski or Young now.

Providing they don’t go NCAA next yea

This years OHL draft is going to be fascinating with the new rules allowing for CHL kids to play in the NCAA. Yesterday you saw Michigan State forward Christian Humphreys sign with Kitchener and if I was a betting man, he’ll be back at Michigan State after next year.

I would not be surprised if we start to see programs partner with certain OHL teams to have their commits play in the CHL then move onto the NCAA when they’re more mature and ready to play there. Both leagues will benefit from this.

With this years draft, you’re going to see the American kids/NCAA bound Canadians drafted closer than where they should go. So no more Lukas Fischer’s going in the 11th round of the OHL draft. Even if there is little interest of coming OHL for these types of kids we’re going to start to see them drafted MUCH higher now.

There are going to be a ton of Americans drafted in the first round and you’re going to see kids that would have gone USDP in previous years, come to the OHL instead then leave in their 18/19 year old seasons to go NCAA.

It’s a new world we live in now, the OHL draft is going to be crazier this year than it ever has been. I wouldn’t be surprised to see guys like Easton Pace/Andrew Robinson/Sam Wathier here at some point in the future because of the new rules.

Very curious to see how many players leave to NCAA next year (the ones that have not announced commits). Most teams (all?) have at least a couple of 05’s and maybe a few 06’s out there (you mentioned Fisher) that, providing right opportunity is there, may bail sooner than later? How many 1st rounders in this year’s draft go as well ….

 

[BoogieB]

Huge Test Friday night to see where we stack up in the West....Go Spits Go

 

[LeProspector]

If Greentree keeps chugging along as he has been, Windsor could very well have the top scoring kid in the OHL in 3 out of the past 4 seasons (Johnston, Maggio, Greentree) Not too shabby.

Obviously getting offensive output hasn’t been a problem since Bowler took over, it’s been defensive play (still yet to be resolved)… it’ll be pretty cool if this comes to fruition.

 

[OHLTG]

I'm torn between Bowler making one or two smaller moves and the team standing pat. With the prices so far, the latter seems very possible.

 

[Cherrydon]

Providing they don’t go NCAA next yea

Very curious to see how many players leave to NCAA next year (the ones that have not announced commits). Most teams (all?) have at least a couple of 05’s and maybe a few 06’s out there (you mentioned Fisher) that, providing right opportunity is there, may bail sooner than later? How many 1st rounders in this year’s draft go as well ….

A 20 yr old OA next year will still get more scout attention than in the NCAA. If they have given up the hockey dream by then, yes, the NCAA at that stage is education security because hockey unlikely as a career. Not many older free agents are signed out of the NCAA. Usually less than 20-25 per year on average. It is a good route for a goalie though. Good 05s will still liklely play one last OA season and if all else fails, go to the NCAA afterwards.

 

[windsor7]

I'm torn between Bowler making one or two smaller moves and the team standing pat. With the prices so far, the latter seems very possible.

Would neglect the 1 position again if so..

 

[Cherrydon]

I'd be surprised if Bowler doesn't do something for next year in mind. 2 good OAs and imports needed to start that eats up the cupboard. He's not selling this year so new assets aren't coming to trade next year to start. Have to give to get . Hoping he's not planning to unload 08's next year. Newlove one non regular roster asset he could sell/trade sell this year.

 

[ohloutsider]

Spits could really use a quality D even if not top tier but can play OHL minutes. Other than that standing pat is ok to.
Prices are too expensive and I'm glad this year Bowler is resisting. Next year might be the year to spend. George might be on the market by then and that would be a big add.

I'd be surprised if Bowler doesn't do something for next year in mind. 2 good OAs and imports needed to start that eats up the cupboard. He's not selling this year so new assets aren't coming to trade next year to start. Have to give to get . Hoping he's not planning to unload 08's next year. Newlove one non regular roster asset he could sell/trade sell this year.

Froggett might be the one moved as Newlove looks a little stronger so far.