The Windsor Spitfires selected 16-year-old Ethan Belchetz as the first overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.
The 6'5" Oakville native led the Oakville Rangers U-16 to the OHL Cup this year. In 34 games, Belchetz had 84 points.
"When you witness or watch what he does on the ice I don't think it will take long for him to be a real impact player," said General Manager Bill Bowler. "Where he fits in I honestly don't know, it's too early, but we are expecting this young man to contribute immediately."
Belchetz said he is excited to join the team and is prepared to play wherever he's needed.
"I am a strong power forward who uses his size to his advantage to create offence for myself and my teammates and I harp on both sides of the puck and a backcheck very hard," said Belchetz.
The OHL draft officially starts on Friday, April 12, with Rounds 1-3 beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Windsor Spitfires will make three more selections, two in round 2 and one in round 3.
