Belchetz took another major step forward during the 2025-26 season with the Windsor Spitfires, establishing himself as one of the top power forwards in the 2026 NHL Draft class. The 6-foot-5 winger continued to lean into his biggest strengths, using his size, strength, and shooting ability to become a more consistent offensive threat. He showed improved confidence carrying the puck, creating space in the offensive zone, and using his physical tools to extend plays. His goal-scoring touch remained his biggest weapon, but his overall offensive game became more well-rounded throughout the season.

Belchetz was selected 17th overall by Utah, as the team continues its trend of drafting large players that have speed.

Ryan McGregor Ranks the Blackhawks Top 10 Prospects

In 2025, Kyle Davidson traded back up into the first round to take the 6’6”, 207 lbs center out of the USHL, Mason West, at 29th overall. A massive swing for the Blackhawks, but if West hits, he could be a huge piece of the rebuild. West is a dual-sport athlete (football) who recently fully committed to hockey. Putting up 25 points in 38 games with Fargo Force last season, West demonstrated his impressive skating for his size, as well as his intelligence and creativity with the puck. Next season, Mason West will be going to Michigan State University, one of the best NCAA programs. He will have the opportunity to play with players like Ryker Lee, Ethan Belchetz, and Chase Reid. West is certainly a project, but could pan out to be a solid middle-six center.

USA Offense Explodes in 7-2 Victory Over Canada

Canada responded quickly. Ethan Belchetz forced an offensive zone turnover, then fired it home to tie the game 1-1.

Sweden Defeats Canada in First Win At Summer Showcase

In the third, Ethan Belchetz tipped one home in his return to the WFCU Centre, where he played 2 seasons with the Windsor Spitfires.

2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Ethan Belchetz (LW)

Ethan Belchetz is a hulking winger for the Windsor Spitfires whose physicality and upside could make his potential in the NHL higher than his production in the OHL this season would indicate. His overwhelming size and strength make him a threat at the OHL level in the offensive zone, winning puck battles with ease and consistently getting to high-danger spots while fighting through checks. Belchetz has great hands and vision with the puck, beating opponents one-on-one and taking advantage of his wingspan and frame to capitalize on chances in those dangerous areas. While his foot speed leaves something to be desired, he has decent top end speed once he gets going and is capable of making plays at a high pace and not looking out of place while playing with high skill linemates. He’s hard nosed and knows how to take advantage of his strength, proving himself as an elite net-front presence and not backing down from physical challenges. He’s battled inconsistency throughout this season, but he’s an athletic beast who could gain confidence and produce more as he grows into his frame and continues to develop his offensive acumen. He’s a fairly safe bet to become a heavy and effective NHL winger who should go in the top half of the first round.

2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Ethan Belchetz (LW)

Ethan Belchetz #61, F

Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

6’5”, 227 lbs, DOB 2008-03-30

Belchetz’s goal in this game was a strong example of his identity as an effort-driven forward. The play stemmed from his eagerness to attack inside ice rather than staying to the perimeter. He drove to the net with purpose, establishing body position to get the deflection. He consistently supported pucks well in the offensive zone, staying involved in cycles and presenting himself as a passing option. Belchetz’s fight in this game showed his willingness to engage physically and stand up in emotionally charged moments. He showed no hesitation dropping the gloves, which speaks to both toughness and a team-first mentality. Importantly, he maintained balance and composure during the exchange rather than throwing himself out of control. Beyond the fight, his overall physical engagement was consistent. He finished checks, applied pressure on the forecheck, and made life difficult for opposing defenders. Belchetz’s skating was reflective of his size in the sense that his stride is functional rather than explosive, however, it’s supported by a high motor that allows him to stay involved shift after shift. His pace was most effective when combined with his physicality, where he closed spaces quickly on the forecheck and forced rushed decisions. This game highlighted Belchetz’s competitive identity clearly. Scoring a hard-area goal and then engaging in a fight in the same game points to a player who is emotionally invested and willing to influence the game in different ways.

Overall, Belchetz projects as a high-energy forward with a physical edge and scoring ability. His game is built around compete level, net-front presence, and a willingness to engage physically. Games like this, where he contributes both on the scoresheet and emotionally, reinforce his value as a momentum player. If he continues refining his skating explosiveness, he has the foundation to fill a reliable bottom-six role at the NHL level.

2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Ethan Belchetz (LW)

Ethan Belchetz:Projection: Middle 6 WingerStrengths: Physically mature game, Ability to drive the play, Strong shotWeaknesses: Needs to grow into his skates, Lack of creativity andadaptability, Weak transition game Analysis:Ethan Belchetz is another big power forward in this draft class. Hehas a very physically mature game for being 6’5 230lbs and isn’tafraid to use it to his advantage. He likes to lean on defenders alongthe boards, forcing the puck to his stick before driving the net.Through the use of his size, he is also a force when planted in frontof the goalie for rebounds, deflections, or backdoor passes. Where heis the most dangerous is inside the circle without the puck, where hecan make use of his very powerful shot. That’s kind of where I see his strengths begin to fall off. Apart fromhis size and heavy shot, he lacks anything that is super outstandingor noteworthy. I find that he still hasn’t found his stride due to hissize, so he lacks any monumental speed or dangerous explosiveness. Hedoesn’t have any special stickhandling or vision abilities, so theonly way I find he beats defenders is by making use of his body toprotect the puck and drive wide or cut to the middle before releasinghis shot. He also has a very weak transition game in my eyes. Hestruggles to make pinpoint passes on the rush, and when he decides onwhat he’s going to do, he has a hard time adapting and deviating fromthat plan based on how the play develops. With some extra time and agood development path, he has the potential to be a solid middle-sixplay driver.

Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

Czech winger Adam Novotný continues to impress in his first season of North American hockey. The slick shooter is third in the OHL among draft-eligible players in goals with 30, behind only Nikita Klepov (33) of the Saginaw Spirit and Ethan Belchetz (32) of the Windsor Spitfires. Novotný, who served as the captain for Team East, was sensational in January at the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game with a pair of goals.

The hulking Belchetz was one of Canada’s most leaned-upon offensive players in August’s Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, bringing many of the elements that make him such a classically enticing prospect. Belchetz tied for the team lead in goals, most of them coming on plays right around the netfront.

Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

As the 2026 NHL Draft picture continues to develop, a trio of emerging major-junior standouts are forcing scouts to take notice. Across the CHL, high-end skill, production, and poise are coming into focus—whether it’s the dynamic twin-driven surge in Medicine Hat, a Russian playmaker redefining “instant impact” in Victoriaville, or a towering OHL power forward bulldozing his way up draft boards. Liam Ruck, Yegor Shilov, and Ethan Belchetz aren’t just off to hot starts—they’re building cases to hear their names called early on draft night in June. Here’s a closer look at why all three are rapidly rising prospects to watch.

Liam Ruck | RW | Medicine Hat Tigers

Liam Ruck and his identical twin brother, Markus, have both had hot starts to their respective draft-eligible seasons in Medicine Hat. The twins are both producing at a point-per-game level with 21 points each. Liam has found a little bit more of a scoring touch with seven goals and 14 assists, while Markus is dishing the puck with just three goals to go with 18 assists.

In a pair of games over the weekend, Liam showed off his offensive prowess, collecting six points. Early in the first period against the Regina Pats, Ruck settled into some open ice near the faceoff dot on the left side before taking a pass and ripping a wicked wrist shot that hit the crossbar and went in. With the game tied at two in the second, Ruck broke the tie. After taking a feed on his backhand, the Osoyoos, BC native tried to feed the puck across the slot, but his pass was redirected back to him, and he popped it in. Ruck added a secondary assist on the overtime winner to pick up points on all four Tigers goals.

The 45th-ranked skater on the 2026 Draft Prospects Rankings added a goal and an assist to his weekend total in a 6-5 overtime loss to the Brandon Wheat Kings.

Yegor Shilov | C | Victoriaville Tigres

Russian center Yegor Shilov is leading the way for draft-eligible prospects in the QMJHL with 31 points (11 goals, 20 assists) in 21 games. After lighting it up in minor hockey in Russia, he had 76 points in 30 U17 games in 2023-24; the crafty playmaker moved across the ocean to play for the Long Island Gulls 16U program. The transition to North American ice didn’t seem to faze him, as he scored 48 points in 31 games with the Gulls and another 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists) in 39 games with the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers.

The Boston University commit for next season was picked third overall by Victoriaville in the 2025 CHL Import Draft and acclimatized to major junior hockey extremely well. After picking up an assist in Victorville’s Wednesday tilt with Baie-Comeau, Shilov exploded for a hat trick and a five-point outing against Shawinigan. In on a three-on-two, Shilov used the Shawinigan defender as a screen and fired a wrist shot over the goalie’s glove-side shoulder. He added another marker on a shorthanded breakaway, slipping a backhand through the goalie’s pads. He capped the hat trick with a breakaway goal on an empty net. The 49th-ranked skater on the 2026 Draft Prospects Rankings was held off the scoresheet in a 4-1 win over Gatineau, but it wasn’t for lack of trying, as the pivot had six shots on goal.

Ethan Belchetz | LW | Windsor Spitfires

Ethan Belchetz has always had a nose for the net, and the monster power forward is currently leading the OHL draft-eligible group with 16 goals in 21 games. After potting 17 goals in his rookie season last year with the Spitfires, Belchetz is set to soar past that number in his sophomore campaign. The Oakville, ON, native, standing at 6-foot-5 and 227 pounds, has the kind of size NHL teams dream about and a toolkit of offensive skills to go with it.

Belchetz opened the scoring for the Spitfires on Thursday night against the Soo Greyhounds. Finding some open ice in the slot, the gargantuan winger walked in uncovered and wired a wrist shot over the Greyhounds keeper’s blocker-side shoulder. Belchetz found the back of the net less than two minutes into the second period for the daily double. After gaining the zone, Belchetz dropped the puck off for Philadelphia Flyers prospect Jack Nesbitt and settled into some open ice in the left-side faceoff circle. As he drifted towards the Soo cage, Nesbitt fed him the puck. Despite not being able to get a clean shot off, the puck rattled around and found its way in.

The 5th-ranked skater on the 2026 Draft Prospects Rankings had nine shot attempts with six on target during Saturday’s game against the Guelph Storm. He managed to find the back of the net off a play he created in his own zone. After blocking a point-to-point pass by the Storm, Belchetz took off and received a feed to give himself a breakaway. With all kinds of time and space, the 2024 first overall pick in the OHL Draft faked a shot to get the goalie to drop and then roofed a quick forehand wrist shot up and over.

Belchetz, Hawery, and Mitchell Impress in Spitfires vs. Knights Clash

September 20, 2025Windsor Spitfires v. London KnightsWFCU CentreEthan Belchetz #61, FWindsor Spitfires (OHL)6’5”, 227 lbs, DOB 2008-03-30Belchetz gave a strong performance in the home opener against London, earninghimself a 2-point game (1G, 1A), with the game winning goal. Going into the homeopener as a high-profile pick and delivering the points under the spotlight showed hiscomposure and that he does not disappear or play tentatively. His one-timer was from adangerous area (right circle) and was well-executed with his quick release andprecision. Recognizing the 5-on-3, he set himself up in that scoring position, speaking tohis IQ and situational awareness, especially against a disciplined and talented team likeLondon. While his stats were offensive, in a game where Windsor limited opportunitiesand maintained control, Belchetz was not drifting defensively and was part of asuccessful system to shut London down. Where Belchetz can improve is his awarenessto his size. As a tall forward, his skating will need continued refinement. Accelerations,edgework, and transitions will be critical to keep pace as competition stiffens. He couldimprove his speed by lengthening his stride. Standing at six foot five, he can lean intohis stride and length of his legs to do the work for him and keep his endurance. Bigforwards often absorb more physical play and hits. As the season progresses andopponents target him, he’ll need to maintain physical resilience. Belchetz projects as apower winger with the potential to be a middle to top 6 forward at the NHL level, withvalue in net-front presence, physicality and scoring.Skater Category Summarization:Skating: 6Puck Skill: 7Scoring Ability: 8Hockey IQ: 7Character: 8Physicality: 6Defensive Play: 6

Ethan Belchetz Game Report vs Niagara IceDogs

#61 LW Ethan Belchetz, Windsor Spitfires (OHL), 6’5” 226lbs, L, DOB 03.30.2008

Belchetz was a dominant physical and offensive presence in Windsor’s win over Niagara, leveraging his size and strength to control possession and create scoring chances. The 6’5” winger played with confidence and purpose, using his frame to protect the puck and dictate play down low.

Belchetz’s skating looked balanced and efficient but not explosive, he managed his pace well and used good turns along the boards to maintain possession and separate from defenders. His strong puck control allowed him to hold onto the puck in traffic and make solid, well-timed passes, including a crisp saucer pass through the slot to create a prime scoring chance. He was impactful on the power play, where his combination of size, puck skills, and shooting ability stood out. Positioned in and around the slot, he showcased a powerful and accurate wrist shot, capping off his performance with a highlight-reel goal, he got a perfect pass that sent him on a breakaway and he buried a beautiful wrist shot under the goalie’s blocker. Defensively, he showed good work down low and contributed to winning puck battles along the walls. His net-front presence added value on the power play, as he effectively screened the goalie and got rebounds. His physicality was evident all night. He leaned on defenders, played with strength, and didn’t shy away from contact. He continues to prove himself as a power forward with a complete offensive toolkit. His ability to combine size, skill, and finishing touch makes him a matchup problem for defenders. Belchetz’s performance against Niagara highlighted his strengths, net-front dominance, puck protection, and a lethal wrist shot. While his speed is average, his stride efficiency and hockey sense allow him to remain effective at both ends of the ice. With continued consistency and engagement, Belchetz projects as a top-six power forward capable of producing offence and setting the tone physically. Projects as a top 6 winger who can thrive on the power play as a net-front finisher

Belchetz & Roobroeck Reports

Ethan Belchetz – 28/09/2025 – Windsor (4) @ Oshawa (1)

The size and skill combination of Belchetz is going to have every lottery team salivating. Rarely

do players this big, with this much reach, and this much potential for strength, have the skill and

brains that Belchetz does. Sometimes his puck handling can be a bit raw and choppy. He turned

the puck over awkwardly a few times in this game, but more often than not, he’s very dangerous

and calculated with the puck on his stick. I think he’s a really smart playmaker. He

slows the play down to his speed and makes genius little area passes or quick

moves inside for a chance. Belchetz is obviously balanced and strong on his feet, but

he’s only an average skater. He isn’t super fast or agile and didn’t create anything

strictly with his feet. Thus, at times, he can be pretty uninvolved in Windsor’s

transitional play. Sometimes I wish he was more involved in the overall possession

game. This is only my second DY viewing of Belchetz, so maybe it was an off-game

in this regard, but I found myself wishing he forced the puck onto his stick more

often, playing a little more selfishly. Nearly every time he had the puck, he was

making things happen, but he kept getting disconnected offensively by simply parking

in front and staying there. However, a player being so good that a scout is

complaining they don’t have the puck on their stick enough is a pretty good problem

to have. There are some concerns, and sometimes he can play a pretty raw game, but

the upside is absolutely massive with Belchetz. And not to say the floor isn’t high

either, he’s a very safe bet to be an NHLer in some regard. I’ll have a hard time this year

keeping Belchetz out of my top 5.

There are still questions about his skating, particularly his acceleration and ability to separate from defenders at higher levels, but Belchetz’s combination of skill, compete level, and size gives him one of the higher floors among draft-eligible forwards. An injury ended his season early, but it does not appear to have impacted his long-term projection. If his skating continues to improve, he has the potential to develop into a top-six power winger at the NHL level.

Belchetz is a very tall, very heavy forward who skates well and plays a modern power forward game. He does most of his damage right in the goalie’s face, but his handling skill is impressive—as evidenced by his slick goal in the bronze medal game. Belchetz has the potential to dominate the OHL this season.