6'5, 230 lbs at 16. Ethan Belchetz was hard to overlook. "It's just obvious this young man has the tools to play any style of game." said Windsor Spitfires' general manager Bill Bowler who announced Beltchetz as the first overall pick in this year's OHL Priority Selection Draft Thursday afternoon. "This is a very very easy choice and decision and I can't wait til our fans get to witness this first hand."
Belchetz recently helped the Oakville Rangers win the OHL Cup and was named tournament MVP after tallying 11 points in seven games.
With a core that includes captain Liam Greentree, Anthony Cristoforo and A.J. Spellacy (2022 draft picks) Bowler is optimistic his team can rebound from a 2nd to last place finish in the OHL this past season.
"When you see other teams in our league, the Oshawa Generals go from eight to one last year. The Soo Greyhounds who had a lottery pick last season to be competing for a Western Conference. We don't think this is gonna take long."
The draft begins Friday with the Spits picking 21st and 23rd in the second round.