A pick-by-pick look with GM Bowler at the 15 selections made by the Spitfires in the OHL Draft


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Every draft brings hope for a team’s future.

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After the conclusion of Saturday’s 15-round Ontario Hockey League Draft, Windsor Spitfires’ general manager Bill Bowler believes the club has selected several prospects that could end up in the lineup down the road. Some scouting services had Windsor picking up four prospects viewed to be in the top 60 overall among the team’s first five selections along with a highly-touted goaltender.

“From the players we got in the first round and the ones we followed up with, we think we got players that will help us win games,” Bowler said Saturday. “We think there are players that are going to challenge to play in the OHL and we’ll need some from this draft to step in and play next year.”

Following is a look at Windsor’s 15 selections in this year’s 15-round draft along with vital stats that include games played, goals, assists, points and penalty minutes and a comment from Bowler on each prospect.

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Round 1 (22nd overall) – Anthony Cristoforo, Toronto Jr. Canadiens, right defenseman, 5-foot-11, 178 pounds. 56-15-63-78-NA

“A versatile, two-way defenseman that oozes leadership and can play in all situations,” Bowler said. “He’s just a guy that’s a great teammate and an excellent player.”

Round 2 (34th overall) – Liam Greentree, Markham Majors, right wing, 6-foot-2, 193 pounds. 23-13-12-25-10

“He’s got a nice release, can score goals, has a big body and goes to the dirty areas and can generate offense,” Bowler said.

Round 3 (62nd overall) – AJ Spellacy, Cleveland Barons 15’s, center, 6-foot-3, 190 pounds. 15-6-5-11-20

“A good two-way player,” Bowler said. “Elite skater with an all-around game that can be a factor physically, defensively and offensively.”

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Round 4 (65th overall) – Cole Davis, York-Simcoe Express, left wing, 5-foot-9, 151 pounds. 27-14-13-27–30

“Hardworking and can play in any situation and anywhere in the lineup,” Bowler said of Davis, who made have slipped because of a shoulder injury. “He’s a kid we knew and liked.”

Round 6 (107th overall) – Carter Froggett, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs, goaltender, 6-foot-2, 186 pounds. 13 games, 1.77 GAA and three shutouts.

“An athletic goalie with tremendous upside,” Bowler said. “I like his potential.”

Round 6 (122nd overall) – Jack Dean, Markham Majors, left wing, 5-foot-10, 191 pounds. 23-13-11-24-4.

“He’s a good player and had an excellent OHL Combine,” Bowler said. “Just a good, two-way guy.”

Round 7 (142nd overall) – Trevor O’Dell, Toronto Nationals, left defenseman, 6-foot-2, 148 pounds. 25-1-3-4-NA

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“A responsible defenseman,” Bowler said. “He’s big, strong and a steady defenseman with a good brain.”

Round 8 (162nd overall) – Jacob English, North Central Predators, left defenseman, 6-foot-1, 156 pounds. 21-2-3-5-24.

“Makes a good first pass and a tough guy to play against,” Bowler said.

Round 9 (182nd overall) – Joseph Delaurentis, Westchester Express 15’s, center, 6-0, 160 pounds. 68-46-43-89-57

“He’s a flyer, but he has high-end skill,” Bowler said of the American prospect. “He makes plays, scored goals and he is a skilled offensive guy that could score in our league.”

Round 10 (202nd overall) – Carson Woodall, Toronto Marlboros, left defenseman, 5-foot-10, 160 pounds. 46-4-27-31-6.

“He’s got an excellent hockey IQ,” Bowler said of the Belle River native. “A real good player who understands the game.”

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Round 11 (222nd overall) – Paolo Frasca, Toronto Jr. Canadiens, goaltender, 5-foot-9, 204 pounds. No stats available.

“Excellent goalie on the best team, in my opinion,” Bowler said. “A competitive young man that finds a way to stop pucks.”

Round 12 (242nd overall) – Caeleb Bowler, Huron-Perth Lakers, right wing, 5-foot-10, 184 pounds. 34-15-13-28-12

“A straight-line player that finishes checks and put up good numbers for a good Huron-Perth team,” Bowler said of the son of the son of his father’s brother.

Round 13 (262nd overall) – Evan Sofikitis, Detroit Little Caesar’s 15’s, right defenseman, 5-foot-6, 160 pounds. 12-3-2-5-4.

“Leader of Little Caesar’s team and a real good player,” Bowler said. “His dad played college hockey. He’s a competitive kid that might find a way into our league.”

Round 14 (282nd overall) – Gage Evans, Soo Jr. Greyhounds, left defenseman, 6-foot-3, 187 pounds. 24-1-7-8-24.

“Big, left-shot defenseman with a long reach,” Bowler said. “He’s got upside and lots of potential.”

Round 15 (286th overall) – Nathan Gaymes, Don Mills Flyers, right wing, 5-foot-11, 162 pounds. 58-21-29-50-NA

“Solid hockey player,” Bowler said. “He Plays in every situation and has untapped potential.”

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