The Windsor Spitfires have utilized the 2025 CHL Import Draft to bring in some depth to their forward group for the 2025-26 season.
On Thursday, the Spitfires organization announced that they have signed forward Beksultan Makysh to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.
“It feels amazing. Signing with the Windsor Spitfires is a big step in my career. I’m proud to be part of such a great organization. I’m excited to get to work and represent the team at the highest level I can,” said Makysh.
Makysh, 17, was drafted 114th overall in the second round of the 2025 import draft. He was the third Kazakhstan native drafted and the only one by an OHL organization. At 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, he’s a slightly undersized forward, but possesses an above-average offensive skill set that will provide depth to the Spitfires’ lineup.
“He is a dynamic player with offensive instincts. He is crafty and can generate offense effectively,” said Windsor Spitfires GM Bill Bowler.
The Astana, Kazakhstan native recorded 153 points (84 goals, 69 assists) in 73 games for Boston Hockey Academy 16U AAA, split between three different leagues. His statistics indicate that Makysh is a goal scorer, and with Windsor potentially losing Ilya Protas and his 50 goals from last season, recruiting another scoring forward was crucial.
Makysh also suited up in four games in the USHL for the Dubuque Fighting Saints, recording two assists.
“I hope to bring a strong work ethic, a team-first mindset, and a competitive attitude every day. Whether it’s during games, practices, or off the ice, I want to contribute to a positive and focused environment where everyone pushes each other to be better. My goal is to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed,” said Makysh.
No native of Kazakhstan played in the OHL last year. The last Kazakhstan player to play in the league was Yakov Vorobyov, who played for the Ottawa 67's during the 2008-09 season, although his tenure was brief.
The OHL hasn’t had many players from Kazakhstan compete in its league. The most successful among them is Martin St. Pierre. Although he was born in Embrun, Ontario, he accepted naturalized citizenship from Kazakhstan in 2015 and represented the country at the 2017 IIHF Division 1 World Championship. Although he is Canadian-born, he’s technically the best Kazakhstani to play in the OHL.
Makysh represented his country at the 2024 IIHF Division 1 U18 World Championship, recording 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) in 5 games while earning a bronze medal. At the event, he faced off against Ukrainian forward Mykhailo Haponenko, who recently signed with the Guelph Storm.
Makysh enters his NHL draft season. He turns 18 on May 24 and is ready to take advantage of the OHL and Windsor Spitfires’ top-notch development staff.
“The Spitfires have a strong reputation for developing players and competing hard every year. I’ve been watching the Spitfires last season, and I could tell right away that this is the perfect spot for me to take my game to the next level,” said Makysh.
(Top photo credit: Natalie Shaver/OHL Images)
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