Spitfires First Overall Pick Ethan Belchetz Wears #61 and Models His Game After Rick Nash

More on what the Windsor Spitfires are getting with their first overall pick Ethan Belchetz.

The Windsor Spitfires selected Ethan Belchetz with the first overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, and the 6-foot-5 winger models his game after a very unique, yet intriguing player.

Belchetz wore number 61 with the U16 Oakville Rangers this season, and that is for good reason. In many post-draft interviews, Belchetz discussed how he models his game after power forward Rick Nash.

"He's the ultimate power forward" says Belchetz, and that is what he is trying to become. 

Belchetz has all the fundamentals to be that ultimate power forward. He has the size, the strength, and the offensive tools too. The Spitfires are getting a "unicorn" of a player with this pick — these types of players don't come around very often.

On the surface level, Belchetz has a high-end shot release, and great hands in tight around the net. When you look further into his game, you recognize how good he is at finding open space and lanes. He also has a knack for forcing himself into the middle of the ice using his size and strength. He's good at winning board battles and using his size and strength as leverage over his opponents.

Belchetz is already physically bigger than almost the entire OHL, but he will have a slight adjustment period due to his skating and speed — normal for a lot of bigger players entering junior hockey. 

If Belchetz sees ice time alongside Liam Greentree next season, this will be an electric duo to watch.