The Windsor Spitfires announced that forward Ethan Belchetz was selected 17th overall by the Utah Mammoth in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. The draft took place on June 26, 2026, in a ceremony held at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Belchetz's Journey to the NHL
Belchetz, an 18-year-old left-winger from Oakville, Ontario, played the 2025-26 season with the Spitfires, recording 28 goals and 42 assists for 70 points in 68 games. His performance earned him a spot on the Ontario Hockey League's Second All-Star Team. Spitfires general manager Bill Bowler praised Belchetz's development, stating, "Ethan has worked incredibly hard to reach this level. His combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ makes him a valuable addition to any organization."
Utah Mammoth's Draft Strategy
The Utah Mammoth, an expansion team that began play in the 2024-25 season, used their first-round pick to add Belchetz to their prospect pool. Mammoth general manager Sarah Thompson highlighted Belchetz's potential: "We believe Ethan has the tools to become a top-six forward in the NHL. His ability to create scoring chances and his physical presence will fit well with our system."
Impact on the Spitfires
Belchetz becomes the highest-drafted Spitfires player since 2021, when defenseman Matthew Maggio was selected 99th overall. Spitfires head coach Mark Savard noted, "This is a proud moment for our organization. Ethan's selection shows that our development program is on the right track. We wish him all the best in Utah."
Draft Day Highlights
The 2026 NHL Draft saw 224 players selected over two days. The first overall pick was center Caleb Malhotra, taken by the Vancouver Canucks. The Ottawa Senators selected two forwards in the first round: Ben Mercer at 12th overall and Jack Carson at 28th overall. The Winnipeg Jets took defenseman Erik Bjorck eighth overall.
Belchetz is expected to attend the Mammoth's training camp in September 2026. He will likely return to the Spitfires for the 2026-27 season if he does not make the NHL roster.
