The Windsor Spitfires have relieved Head Coach Jerrod Smith of his duties, as they sit last in the league's standings.
The Windsor Spitfires have begun the 2023-2024 OHL season with a 4-16-1 record, after finishing last season atop the Western Conference.
In turn, the Spitfires have decided to relieve Head Coach Jerrod Smith of his duties.
The Spitfires had a historical regular season last year, finishing first in the Western Conference with a 44-18-4 record. Spitfires' forward and Islanders draft pick Matthew Maggio won MVP in the OHL with a 111 point-season.
Heading into this season, they are without the likes of Maggio, Shane Wright, and Brett Harrison. They have quickly become a youthful team, with ten players born in 2006-or-later having played games for the Spitfires this season.
The Spitfires' future looks bright with several players projected to be drafted next June at the NHL Draft. Anthony Cristoforo, Liam Greentree, and AJ Spellacy could all hear their names called by teams at the draft.
Specifically, Liam Greentree has been a consistent bright spot for the organization through his draft-eligible season. The high-energy, ultra-competitive forward has 28 points and 13 goals through 18 games this season. Greentree already has the size, and he is a nightmare for his opponents to play against. His ability to create around the net, and manipulate defenders on the rush has helped him produce so highly this season.
He had the opportunity to represent Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and with Windsor's struggles, should be eligible for the U18 tournament in late-April.
Until they can be a monster in the Western Conference again, the Spitfires are in-tough with a competitive conference and an inexperienced team.
Windsor has decided to let their Head Coach go, along with their top players Alex Christopoulos and Rodwin Dionicio since being traded last week. Windsor has seemed to "accept" a rebuilding stance this season, but their young talent shows light at the end of the tunnel.
Perhaps this coaching change can put a spark into the team on-the-ice and the young Windsor Spitfires can become a little more competitive in the league standings.