The Windsor Spitfires enter the 2026-27 season following another deep playoff run and a second consecutive West Division title. Windsor finished last season with a 44-15-6-3 record, good for second place in the Western Conference, before carrying that success into the postseason. The Spitfires swept the Guelph Storm and Flint Firebirds through the opening two rounds before falling to the eventual Memorial Cup champion Kitchener Rangers in the Western Conference Final.
This offseason brought significant change throughout the lineup, with key players such as Jack Nesbitt, Ethan Belchetz and AJ Spellacy among those moving on. Most notably, Windsor will have a new look between the pipes following the departure of longtime starter Joey Costanzo, who capped his OHL career with a historic 2025-26 season.
Those departures open the door for new opportunities throughout the lineup as the Spitfires look to build around one of the league’s youngest rosters. Windsor will look to its returning players to take on larger roles while a mix of NHL-drafted talent, newcomers from south of the border and younger prospects join the group as the Spitfires aim to remain among the contenders in the Western Conference.
Starting Six:
* The Starting Six does not represent a projected lineup, but instead highlights six key players to watch entering the 2026-27 season.
FORWARD | Ethan Garden
2025-26: 65 GP, 16G, 25A, 41 PTS
Ethan Garden took a significant step forward during his second season with the Spitfires, nearly tripling his offensive production from the year prior. The forward appeared in 65 games, recording 41 points while establishing himself as a consistent contributor to Windsor’s offence.
Garden also represented Michigan District at the 2026 U.S. National Under-17 Team Select Camp, where he added three assists. With two OHL seasons now under his belt and coming off a breakout offensive campaign, Garden will look to build on that production and take on an even bigger role for the Spitfires in 2026-27.
FORWARD | Johnny McLaughlin
2025-26: 50 GP, 9G, 7A, 16 PTS
Johnny McLaughlin showed plenty of growth throughout his rookie season with the Spitfires, particularly during a strong second half. The 2025 first-round pick worked his way into a larger role down the stretch, an impressive step for a 16-year-old who had missed most of his U16 AAA season due to injury.
McLaughlin carried that progress into the postseason, earning top-six minutes and recording eight points in 13 playoff games to finish tied for sixth in team scoring. He also represented Canada Red at the 2026 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, adding two assists.
FORWARD | Beksultan Makysh
2025-26: 68 GP, 14G, 25A, 39 PTS
Beksultan Makysh put together a solid rookie campaign with the Spitfires, appearing in all 68 regular-season games while recording 14 goals and 25 assists for 39 points. His consistent production helped him establish himself as a regular contributor in Windsor’s lineup throughout his first OHL season.
DEFENCEMAN | Grady Spicer
2025-26 (LaSalle Vipers): 45 GP, 12G, 21A, 33 PTS
Grady Spicer spent the majority of the 2025-26 season with the LaSalle Vipers of the GOHL, where he recorded 12 goals and 33 points in 45 games from the blue line. He also brought a physical edge to his game, finishing the regular season with 108 penalty minutes.
Spicer made his OHL debut with the Spitfires early in the season and appeared in three games with the club. He was also selected to participate in the 2026 GOHL Top Prospects Game as part of the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects event.
DEFENCEMAN | Sam Wathier
2025-26 (U.S. National U18 Team): 32 GP, 1G, 2A, 3 PTS
Sam Wathier joins the Spitfires after playing with the U.S. National Team Development Program last season. The defenceman saw time with both the U17 and U18 teams, as well as the NTDP Juniors in the USHL, before his season was cut short due to injury.
Originally selected by Windsor in the fifth round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Wathier signed with the Spitfires this offseason and adds another young and big piece to the club’s blue line.
GOALTENDER | Michael Newlove
2025-26: 23 GP, 2.76 GAA, .886 SV%
Michael Newlove is presumed to take on a larger role in Windsor’s crease this season after spending 2025-26 behind veteran Joey Costanzo. Newlove appeared in 23 games, posting a 2.76 goals-against average and an .886 save percentage while gaining valuable experience at the OHL level.
Originally selected first overall in the 2024 OHL U18 Priority Selection, Newlove has earned his spot within the Spits lineup, and after spending last season alongside one of the league’s top goaltenders, the 19-year-old will look to put that experience to use as he takes over the crease in 2026-27.
Breakout Watch:
Caden Harvey – RW
2025-26: 68 GP, 11G, 23A, 34 PTS
Caden Harvey made an immediate impact during his first OHL season after joining the Spitfires from Pittsburgh Penguins Elite. Known for his tenacity along the boards and willingness to battle for pucks, Harvey appeared in every regular-season and playoff game for Windsor while recording 11 goals and 34 points.
His rookie campaign also helped him hear his name called by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2026 NHL Draft. With a full OHL season under his belt, the Penn State commit will look to take another step offensively and become an even bigger part of Windsor’s forward group before heading to the NCAA for the 2027-28 season.
“He has unlimited potential, and we expect him to be an offensive threat.” – General Manager Bill Bowler
Jonathan Brown – D
2025-26: 67 GP, 1G, 5A, 6 PTS
Jonathan Brown developed into a consistent and reliable presence on Windsor’s blue line over the course of his first OHL season. Signed as a free agent in 2025, Brown appeared in 67 games and became increasingly comfortable in his role during the second half, establishing himself as a dependable option in his own end.
While his impact may not always show up on the scoresheet, Brown brings confidence defensively and a willingness to stand up for his teammates. As one of the older players on the Spitfires’ roster, the Yale University commit will also have an opportunity to provide a veteran presence on the blue line this season.
“A physical presence at all times, his maturity and experience last year in our league will elevate his game to the next level.” – General Manager Bill Bowler
Futures Watch:
Get to know the next wave of Spirit’s talent by revisiting Windsor’s 2026 draft class and new additions in our Futures Watch feature.
The Outlook:
There will be a different look to the Spitfires this season. With many players still under the age of 18, Windsor will be counting on its young core to take another step while some of the more experienced returnees help lead the way. It will be new territory for a team that has relied heavily on experience in recent seasons, but also an opportunity for the next wave to establish itself.
Players throughout the lineup will be asked to take on greater responsibility, and how quickly Windsor’s younger group adjusts to those increased roles could go a long way in determining the team’s success.
After back-to-back West Division titles and consecutive deep playoff runs, Greg Walters and his group will look to show that a changing roster doesn’t have to mean a change in expectations.
Opening Night:
Friday, September 18
Windsor Spitfires at London Knights | 7:00 p.m.
Fans can catch all the action live on FloHockey.
