OHL Windsor Spitfires

Windsor Spitfires Announce Ethan Belchetz as First Overall Pick in 2024 OHL Priority Selection

Published on April 11, 2024 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Windsor Spitfires News Release


Windsor, ON. - The Windsor Spitfires, in partnership with the Ontario Hockey League, announced Thursday the Hockey Club has selected Ethan Belchetz of the Oakville Rangers Under-16 team as the first overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.

The selection was made official as part of a special introductory press conference held at the WFCU Centre on Thursday afternoon. General Manager Bill Bowler, and Director of Scouting and Hockey Operations Frank Evola welcomed Ethan Belchetz and his family to the Border City at the event - a little under 31 hours before the pick will be formally made during the Priority Selection Draft.

"On behalf of the entire Windsor Spitfires organization, we are thrilled to welcome a player of Ethan Belchetz caliber to our franchise," said Spitfires General Manager Bill Bowler. "Ethan is a physical presence with a great combination of skill and Hockey IQ. He is a character kid with leadership qualities and will have an immediate impact in our league."

Belchetz's selection by the Windsor Spitfires first overall is the second in team history. It is the first time since the Spitfires took Jim Fox with the first overall pick back in 1976.

"It is an honour to be selected by the Windsor Spitfires with the first overall pick in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection," said Ethan Belchetz. "I am grateful to Spitfires ownership John Savage, Stephen Savage and Brian Schwab. GM Bill Bowler and his scouting staff, for putting their trust in me as their first overall pick. I also want to thank Spitfire fans everywhere for welcoming me and my family to the organization. I am committed to this team, this city, and these fans. There is lots of hard work and development ahead. I am looking forward to the future and contributing to the organization on and off the ice."

Belchetz is excited to get started.

"It's been amazing, the Windsor Spitfire organization is unbelievable." Belchetz said. "They have treated me and my family well with the upmost respect since we met them, and I can't wait to get started playing with the team."

The Oakville, Ontario native stands at 6'5 and weighs 230 pounds. Belchetz had a fantastic season, leading the Oakville Rangers U-16 to the OHL Cup. In 34 total games, Belchetz had 84 points (46 goals, 38 assists), averaging 2.4 points per game. His team made it to the 2024 OHL Cup and went on to win it all over the Vaughan Kings 1-0 in the Championship. Through seven games, Ethan recorded 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points, tied for 3rd most in the tournament. That performance made Ethan the most valuable player of the tournament.

With the selection Ethan Belchetz won the Jack Ferguson Award as the league's 1st overall pick. Both Ethan and Bill Bowler spoke on what it means to have won this award.

"I am extremely honoured to win this prestigious award." Belchetz said. "The players who have won this award before me have accomplished so much in their careers. I dream to accomplish just as much as they have."

"It's a great opportunity to be in this position for our franchise." General Manager Bill Bowler said. "It's an honour and a privilege to be making this selection on behalf of the Windsor Spitfires and the Ontario Hockey League."

Welcome to Windsor, Ethan Belchetz!

Check out the Windsor Spitfires Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Ontario Hockey League Stories from April 11, 2024


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central