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This is not a camp about competing for a spot.
The Windsor Spitfires will bring in 17 players drafted this year along with one free-agent invite for a two-day camp at the WFCU Centre starting on Saturday.
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“It’s more of orientation camp to try and get to know each other,” Spitfires’ general manager Bill Bowler said. “It’s not about evaluating this weekend.”
Fans will have a chance to get a first-hand look at first overall pick Ethan Belchetz along with 13 of the team’s other 14 picks in April’s Ontario Hockey League Draft. The only player not expected to be on hand from that draft is defenceman and fifth-round pick Sam Walthier, who has already committed to the United States National Team Development Program.
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However, a trio of Americans will be on hand in Chicago Mission goalie Jake Windbiel, who was a seventh-round pick, and Detroit Little Caesars teammates Drake Gram, who was an eighth-round pick, and Ethan Garden, who was a ninth-round pick.
“It’s a positive that our players we drafted are in our facility,” Bowler said.
All three of the players taken by the Spitfires in the OHL U18 Draft will also be on hand along with Windsor Jr. Spitfires’ goalie Gannon Hunter, who was given a free-agent invite.
“This is a first step in creating a relationship,” Bowler said. “I want to get to know our drafted prospects and for them and their families to get to know our people, our staff and our community this weekend.”
On Saturday, players will do a photo shoot and then families will hear from team ownership, Bowler as well Nick Welsh, who is the team’s manager of communications, media and community relations. Families will also hear about billeting and education along with a prevention officer presentation. Parents will also hear from culture and high performance coach Brian O’Reilly along with getting a dressing room tour.
Players will hit the ice at 3 p.m. for skating and goaltending sessions leading up to a 5 p.m. skills session in the Green Shield Rink that fans can take in.
On Sunday, players will head to the rink to have heights and weights taken and do fitness testing while parents take a bus tour of the city.
“We want to gauge where (players) are at and what they can possibly work on,” Bowler said. “This is a chance to showcase our team, our city and who we are.”
“It’s a learning experience and a weekend of fun. It’s going to be a positive two days.”
jpparker@postmedia.com
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