Windsor Spitfires forward Ethan Belchetz finished in a tie for first in goals during the OHL preseason
It didn't take long for the 2024 first-overall pick to make a strong impression in the OHL. Windsor Spitfires' new golden boy, Ethan Belchetz, had an outstanding preseason and looks ready to make an impact as a 16-year-old.
The Spitfires went a perfect 5-0 in the preseason. Belchetz suited up in all five games and registered a goal every game.
The towering 6-foot-5, 226-pound left winger finished the preseason tied with teammate Noah Morneau and Peterborough Petes forward Chase Lefebvre for most goals with six.
Additionally, the Oakville, Ontario native showcased that he's a scoring threat while on the penalty kill with three shorthanded goals.
We will wait and see if Windsor's coaching staff decides to make him a regular on the penalty kill in the regular season, but he certainly made a strong case for why he should be.
Belchetz also led the preseason in shots on goals with 28. He's built like an NHL player already and has the elite hands, shooting, and passing to put up 60 points in his rookie season.
Adjusting to the OHL pace will be the most challenging task for him, but he is far from a poor skater for a forward his size.
The former Oakville Ranger will be well worth the price of admission. Junior hockey fans will want to get tickets to see him play live when he’s in town.
Windsor and Belchetz kick off the 2024-25 OHL season on Wednesday against the defending Memorial Cup Champions Saginaw Spirit.
Jake O'Brien, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, led the preseason in points with 10 in five games.
O’Brien is a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and was recently ranked 14th on TSN’s Bob McKenzie preliminary top 20 ranking for the upcoming draft.
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