The Spitfires gain experience, while Christopoulos has a chance to play a bigger role after a deal with Battalion.

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Windsor Spitfires general manager Bill Bowler had been considering adding some forward experience for weeks and made his move on Monday.

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Bowler acquired right-back Alex Christopoulos from the North Bay Battalion for the Windsor fifth-round pick in the 2025 Ontario Hockey League Draft.

“We think we can get things going for him and we think he can give us a boost,” Bowler said.

While the Spitfires were looking for some experience up front, 18-year-old Christopoulos was looking for a new hockey home where there could be more opportunities.

“This was a trade I requested,” said 5-foot-11, 195-pound Christopoulos. “Just a change of scenery to try to play a bigger role and get my game going.

“(Windsor management) is excited to have me and I can’t wait to get there. I’m very excited “.

The Battalion selected Christopoulos in the third round of the 2019 OHL Draft after taking out his twin brother, defender Paul Christopoulos, in the second round. This will mark the first time the two of you have separated.

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“We have always played together,” said the newest member of the Spitfire. “It will be a bit (weird), but it will be a good fit. I think we will be fine and adapt. “

Christopoulos had 49 goals and 93 points in 43 games for the Don Mills Flyers in his draft year. As a rookie with the Battalion in the 2019-20 season, Christopoulos scored 12 goals in 57 games. However, after missing the 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Christopoulos produced just one goal and two points in 21 games for the Battalion this season.

“There is untapped potential with Alex that we think we can unleash,” Bowler said. “We liked him in his draft year and he just needs a change of scenery.”

The Spitfires have been slim as forwards all season with only 12 players signed and six of them had never played in an OHL game before this season.

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“We got hit and this was something we wanted to do,” Bowler said. “We have played 19 games and we see where some of our players are, but we needed some experience at OHL.”

While Christopoulos appears to play a bigger offensive role at Windsor, he could also provide a boost for the team’s penalty unit, which is last in the league at 70.6 percent.

“I do some murder for punishment,” Christopoulos said. “It was kind of my game.

“I like to get into corners, fight and play a physical game. I see myself as a closed guy and when I get into the offensive zone, I try to create plays. “

Christopher packed up quickly and headed to Windsor on Monday. He was hoping to be in town in time for practice Tuesday and dressing for Thursday’s home game against Erie.

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