The end of the season for the Windsor Spitfires was more than just a playoff elimination; it also marked the conclusion of one of the most memorable eras in the franchise's history. Friday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Kitchener Rangers in the Western Conference final brought the curtain down on a remarkable four-year journey for a core group of players who came together through the 2022 Ontario Hockey League Draft.
A Legacy of Leadership
Spitfires' captain Liam Greentree, a former NHL first-round pick headed to the New York Rangers organization, reflected on the team's accomplishments. 'I'm so proud of the guys and what we've been able to accomplish the last couple years. Hopefully, we've left this organization in a better spot than when we got here,' he said.
General Manager Bill Bowler praised the group's impact. 'The tone and what they set for this organization is a credit to them, and I'm thankful they chose to come play for the Spitfires. The goal is always to be the last team, but this is a hard league and you need a lot of good fortune, but I couldn't be more proud of this group.'
The 2022 Draft Class
The 2022 draft produced defenceman Anthony Cristoforo, Greentree, and A.J. Spellacy in the first round, all of whom made immediate contributions. 'We came in and got a chance to play significant minutes from the start,' said Spellacy, who will move into pro hockey with the Chicago Blackhawks' organization next season. 'We're lucky that we got to spend all four years together.'
Before the season ended, forward Cole Davis and defenceman Carson Woodall also joined the roster, and 15th-round pick Nathan Gaymes became part of the team last season. 'We had a lot of fun,' Cristoforo said. 'We loved coming to the rink, I think that was the main part, and we all got along really well. We loved playing for the Spits, and I think it showed—every night we gave it our all.'
Comparing Eras
The 2006 draft core, featuring Greg Nemisz, Adam Henrique, Mark Cundari, Eric Wellwood, and Adam Wallace, won two division titles, two OHL titles, and two Memorial Cups over four seasons, amassing 166 wins and a .658 winning percentage. The 2022 core did not capture a championship or Memorial Cup but still achieved significant success. They won 151 games with a .608 winning percentage and surpassed the 2006 group by earning three division titles.
'These last four years, with this group, the core, has been so much fun,' Cristoforo said. 'We've grown up coming in as 16-year-old kids to 20-year-olds with beards. Obviously, the success we had—we wish we would have gone farther, but to win division titles and pretty much always be competing, we're pretty happy.'
