Earlier this month, the Windsor Spitfires announced that they had signed John McLaughlin to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, adding another young and exciting forward to their lineup.
“It feels incredible (to sign). This is something I have worked toward for a long time, and to sign with a team like Windsor is a huge honor. I am proud to be part of such a great organization, and I am really excited to get started and put in the work,” said McLaughlin.
The Spitfires used their first round draft choice in 2025 (21st overall) to pick the Corunna, Ontario, native. It wasn’t the draft season McLaughlin had hoped for. His season was cut short due to an injury, and he played only three games in total. He played two games for his hometown Lambton Jr. Sting U16 AAA team, recording two goals, and was called up to the GOJHL to play for the Strathroy Rockets, where he scored one goal and one assist in his lone game.
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OHL scouts already had their eye on the 6-foot forward from last season. During the 2023-24 season, McLaughlin played a year up for the Lambton Jr. Sting organization, where he finished second on the team in points with 33 (16 goals, 17 assists) in 24 games.
“Johnny is a well-rounded player with an elite compete level. His work ethic and dedication on and off the ice will benefit both Johnny and our hockey club. We were thrilled to get him so late in the first round,” said Windsor Spitfires GM Bill Bowler.
McLaughlin described himself as a player who wants to bring energy to his team and be a reliable player who can be versatile and compete hard on a nightly basis. He received an invite from Hockey Canada for their U17 Summer Development Camp in Oakville, Ontario, and is currently there training with and playing against the best 2009-born Canadian hockey players.
(Top photo credit: Natalie Shaver/OHL Images)
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