-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Windsor Spitfires [https://chl.ca/ohl-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 [https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/spitfires-sign-2025-2nd-round-import-pick-beksultan-makysh-a-k-a-bexultan-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. Peterborough Petes Recruit Swiss Forward Yanis Lutz For The Upcoming Season [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/9c1215c2-c568-4da6-acac-da380ef4ea2f.webp] Peterborough Petes Recruit Swiss Forward Yanis Lutz For The Upcoming Season The <a href="https://chl.ca/ohl-petes/">Peterborough Petes</a> have signed a second import player this summer, leaving them with one remaining spot to recruit another European player for the 2025-26 season. [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/peterborough-petes-recruit-swiss-forward-yanis-lutz-for-the-upcoming-season] 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 [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/players/the-ohls-deadliest-duo-ilya-protas-and-liam-greentree] 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. North Bay Battalion Sign Second-Round Belarusian Forward; Import Roster Finalized [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/68cb32c8-cbae-4a2b-9771-165ca89b8055.webp] North Bay Battalion Sign Second-Round Belarusian Forward; Import Roster Finalized The <a href="https://chl.ca/ohl-battalion/">North Bay Battalion</a> has taken care of their import roster for the 2025-26 season after signing their second-round selection from the 2025 CHL Import Draft. [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/north-bay-battalion-sign-second-round-belarusian-forward-import-roster-finalized] 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 [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/ottawa-67-s-sign-forward-committed-to-university-of-massachusetts] 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 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_St._Pierre_(ice_hockey)] 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 [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/guelph-storm-add-size-with-new-imports-both-2025-chl-import-draft-selections-signed]. Guelph Storm Add Size With New Imports; Both 2025 CHL Import Draft Selections Signed [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/665408e9-c73d-44a3-af48-fcd48d4fa803.webp] Guelph Storm Add Size With New Imports; Both 2025 CHL Import Draft Selections Signed The <a href="https://chl.ca/ohl-storm/">Guelph Storm</a> are looking to bounce back after a challenging season, where they finished second-last in the league with a record of 21-38-9. They also allowed the second-most goals against, with a total of 301. The organization is hopeful that their young players are prepared to improve, and they have provided additional support through the 2025 CHL Import Draft. [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/guelph-storm-add-size-with-new-imports-both-2025-chl-import-draft-selections-signed] 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) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. Latest OHL News: 5 Canadian Players To Watch At The World Junior Summer Showcase From The OHL [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/fad16728-90ae-4153-95d6-1746e7aadb31.webp] 5 Canadian Players To Watch At The World Junior Summer Showcase From The OHL In preparation for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, Finland, Sweden, Canada, and the host, the United States, are currently participating in the <a href="https://teamusa.usahockey.com/2025wjss">World Junior Summer Showcase</a>, taking place from July 27-Aug. 2 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/5-canadian-players-to-watch-at-the-world-junior-summer-showcase-from-the-ohl] 5 OHL First-Round Draft Picks Remain Unsigned, Including The First Overall Pick [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/5efaaca3-1595-4436-bf4c-fc60ae2fa777.webp] 5 OHL First-Round Draft Picks Remain Unsigned, Including The First Overall Pick Training camps for the OHL are set to begin in about a month. Teams have been actively signing import players over the past two to three weeks. However, several teams have not yet signed their 2025 first-round draft picks, including two players from the top five. [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/5-ohl-first-round-draft-picks-remain-unsigned-including-the-first-overall-pick] Niagara IceDogs Import Player Roster Finalized; Sign Third Pick From The 2025 CHL Import Draft [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7aad989c-7afa-4b98-ac6d-8c0c8b4fad6c.webp] Niagara IceDogs Import Player Roster Finalized; Sign Third Pick From The 2025 CHL Import Draft Niagara IceDogs GM <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/icedogs-name-frank-evola-general-manager">Frank Evola</a> has successfully recruited all three of his 2025 CHL Import draft picks. Niagara’s new GM has wasted zero time making a strong impression and is looking to improve on the team’s 29-31-8 record from last season. [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/niagara-icedogs-import-player-roster-finalized-sign-third-pick-from-the-2025-chl-import-draft]
