Spitfires Face Tough Decisions After 2024-25 Competition Camp – Hockey Writers – OHL

Windsor Spitfires general manager Bill Bowler has a tough job ahead of him. After the competitive 2024-25 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) training camp, the club has some tough scheduling decisions to make as it prepares for the preseason and regular season.

Coming into camp, the club was firmly looking to the future. They struggled last season, finishing second in the league. However, after multiple trades in 2023-24 and winning the 2024 OHL Draft Lottery in March, Bowler and his scouting staff were left with a few top picks in April’s OHL Draft and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) July 2024 draft (CHL). Last Thursday, the players hit a highlight in the camp, wanting to please the brass. It’s been a solid three days and, while the team reassigned players on Monday, there’s still a long way to go.

Can Costanzo Keep His Goodness?

The bending condition of the Spitfires was a key point coming into the camp. Last season, 18-year veteran Joey Costanzo was supposed to have his breakout season. However, it didn’t happen.

After posting a 3.03 goals-against average (GAA) and a .901 save percentage (SV%) in 2022-23, Costanzo became the most inexperienced defense in front of him. The result was a career low 5.09 GAA and .855 SV%. Part of that was self-defense, but part of that was on him. Now, you have a chance to be redeemed, but it won’t be easy.

The Spitfires saw seven forwards in camp – Costanzo, Cameron Ingram (2024 OHL), Dante Bertolin (2023 OHL Under-18), Michael Newlove (signed – 2024 OHL Under-18), Carter Froggett (signed – 2022 OHL), Jake Windbiel (signed – 2024 OHL), and Gabriel Donohue (2023 OHL). They all had their good moments, and hiccups, but it created a conversation. It’s not the cut and dry situation you might expect. It’s worth noting that, despite Newlove being listed as reassigned, Bowler told the Windsor Star that he will join the team before the season along with Costanzo, Froggett, and Windbiel (from ‘Newlove it takes a long road to the OHL to get a deal and Spitfires,’ Windsor. Star – 9/2/24).

While Newlove is likely to play at a lower level (Ontario Junior A) this season to get as much ice as possible, the starting role isn’t just given to Costanzo. He needs to bounce back from last season and show Bowler and staff that he can return to form in 2022-23. Right now, he will be battling Froggett and Windbiel in the playoffs and, if the two perform well enough, Bowler may be forced to make a big move. This will be worth watching.

The Defense Wars Are Just Beginning

Like scoring, the defensive end of the roster was a focal point during training camp. That continues as we head into the preseason.

Last season, the Spitfires allowed 360 goals in 68 games, the most goals in the CHL and the most since 379 in 1983-84. It was a combination of defense inexperience and defense system failure. However, with chaos comes an opportunity for growth and another injection of new talent.

The Spitfires brought 15 defensemen to camp including returning veterans Anthony Cristoforo, Conor Walton, Josef Eichler, and Carson Woodall, as well as newcomer Tnias Mathurin, who was acquired from the North Bay Battalion in August. They also had nine prospects who had the most cup of coffee in the OHL. With veterans Djibril Toure and Connor Toms graduating this summer, and the possibility of other jobs up for grabs, this remains an important battle.

On Monday, Bowler announced that five defensemen (all comedians) — Luke Laevens, Gage Evans, Aidan Ostrovski, Grady Spicer, and Noah Caswell — would be reassigned. Evans and Spicer had a shot in the preseason but got caught up in the numbers game. While all of the returnees are still in place, the Spitfires still have the likes of Carter Hicks, Adrian Manzo, Evan Hjelholt, and Michael Lavigne on the preseason roster. Hicks is the only one without OHL experience but the others have a combined 15 games in the league, which puts them all in the same boat.

Related: Windsor Spitfires Get Battalion Defender Mathurin

The defense needed a new approach in the offseason and Bowler is adamant about that. New head coach Greg Walters and assistant Casey Torres will help with the new defensive structure. However, the key change could be a promising rookie displacing a deep veteran. If that happens, all bets are off.

Youth Can Change Depth Forward

Like the defense, the front units could see a significant, necessary change during the preseason.

Coming into this season, forward depth was an issue. When they were injured or suspended last season, they used borderline OHL talent on their fourth line, making life difficult. Add more graduates to the front and there is a clear need. This summer, they moved forward when possible, including their top picks in the OHL draft and Imports. They brought 30 forwards to camp including returners, free agents, and more than a dozen drafted prospects.

Overall, the camp played out as expected. When the cuts were announced, most of the candidates were later reassigned. Everyone from last season is still standing and, with 17 players left at the front, there are only a few moments left. With reduced expectations on the way, the question arises – how many of last season’s depth players remain, including Ethan Martin, Jack Greenwell, Alec Stewart, and Kyler Morgan? They are all 19 years old but the 6-foot-6, 222-pound Martin can justify the spot with his physical play.

There are others itching to take their places, too. Owen Outwater, 19, is returning from injury, and 2022 15th-round pick Nathan Gaymes recently signed and looked good at shortstop. Throw in newcomers Ilya Protas (Washington Capitals), Ethan Belchetz (overall 2024 OHL Draft), JC Lemieux, Ethan Garden, and possibly Max Brocklehurst (all recent picks), and the change fans were crying out for last season could become a reality . .

Last season, the Spitfires learned that rebuilding is difficult but necessary. As the club marches toward the regular season, change is inevitable. We’re about to find out how much. The preseason begins Friday, September 6 at home against the Sarnia Sting.

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