The Windsor Spitfires are concluding their 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) training camp, offering a glimpse into the franchise’s new leadership structure.
Last season, the roster was veteran-heavy, resulting in a leadership group composed primarily of older players. Captain Liam Greentree, a New York Rangers prospect, led the team alongside a set of alternates who were largely on the verge of graduation. This dynamic creates immense intrigue for the current training camp, as nearly the entire leadership core has departed with Greentree, opening the door for others to assume crucial roles. Here is a look at the candidates emerging as potential leaders.
Walton and Cristoforo Lead the Race for Captaincy
The Spitfires named Greentree captain in January 2024, succeeding forward Matthew Maggio, who had joined the New York Islanders’ system. After two and a half seasons wearing the “C,” Greentree has departed, and the club is now searching for his successor. The two most probable choices are defenseman Conor Walton and defenseman-turned-forward Anthony Cristoforo.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, Walton joined the Spitfires at the beginning of the 2023-24 season, literally boarding the team bus for the season opener against the Sarnia Sting. He has become a defensive fixture, utilizing his frame to deliver hits, protect his teammates without hesitation, and contribute offensively on occasion.
During this season’s camp, he has acted as a wrecking ball, seizing control of the ice with a poised yet energetic style of play. He is a leader in the room and a significant morale booster for his teammates, making a compelling case that he is ready for the captaincy.
The other leading candidate is Cristoforo. Drafted as a defenseman in the first round of the 2022 OHL Draft, he transitioned to forward last season and looked very comfortable. His game is fundamentally simple: positional and intelligent in his own end, coupled with a strong desire to generate offensive chances when the opportunity arises.
This is precisely why the Spitfires moved him up front; with plenty of defensive options, playing forward allows him to explore his creativity. Additionally, he is a student of the game and well-liked in the locker room, possessing a vibe that strongly suggests a future head coach in the making.
Every team is permitted to dress three 20-year-old (overage) players in a game. Walton and Cristoforo are currently the Spitfires’ only overage players, making it a near certainty that one of them will be named captain at some point.
Who Will Lead the Youth Movement?
The question now shifts to who will serve as the alternate captains. Last season, the leadership group included Cristoforo, defenseman Wyatt Kennedy, and forwards A.J. Spellacy, Cole Davis, Ethan Belchetz, Jack Nesbitt, and preseason inclusion Ethan Garden. However, all have since graduated except for Cristoforo and Garden.
The now 18-year-old Garden should receive an “A.” Standing at just 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds, he is an energetic presence who never stops skating, hitting, and creating opportunities. Head coach Greg Walters has praised him for playing the game the right way and possessing genuine leadership potential.
Defenceman Andrew Robinson
We begin with defenseman Andrew Robinson. The 18-year-old was the club’s third-round pick in 2024 and has been impressive ever since. A smooth skater, he remains calm and focused in his own end but can also lead a rush and create offense with nearly anyone.
In camp, he has played with confidence, leading the charge from the blue line. Offensively, he has rushed coast-to-coast multiple times and seamlessly transitioned to the attack after stifling defense. He is vocal, well-liked, and intelligent, bringing an undeniable energy to the room. As an Edmonton Oilers 2026 pick poised for a breakout season, he would be an almost perfect candidate for an “A.”
Defenceman Jonathan Brown
The next option could be defenseman Jonathan Brown. The 19-year-old native of Scarsdale, NY joined the club as a free agent last season from Shattuck-St. Mary’s. While it took him time to adjust to the league, he became a consistent and reliable defender by the second half. Despite recording just six points in 67 games, he remains confident and focused in his own end, defending his teammates without issue.
During camp, he has taken the next step and delivered exactly what the coaching staff hoped for. He has stood out in all areas and demonstrated patience in difficult situations. Being one of the few players over 18 in the room, he could certainly be a leadership option at some point.
Forward Caden Harvey
The third option is forward Caden Harvey. The Oilers’ sixth-round pick in 2026 had a strong second half and finished with 34 points in 68 games. He is a quick center who uses his 6-foot-1, 183-pound frame to get to the net and release the shot.
Camp has been a showcase for him. Last season, he took a backseat to the veterans while adjusting to the pace of play. Now, he is one of the top forwards on a daily basis, demonstrating that he is ready for the next step. While he is not the most vocal player on the ice, he leads by example, and it would not be a shock to see the coaches grant him an “A” to observe how he handles that aspect of the game.
Defenceman Sam Wathier
Finally, we have defenceman Sam Wathier. He was the Spitfires’ fifth-round pick in 2024 but chose to play for the U.S. National Team Development Program for two seasons. Committed to Boston College for 2027-28, he is a 6-foot-4, 220-pounder capable of playing a physical, defensive game and brings the experience the team could use.
He has stood out throughout camp as an on-ice leader: calm, confident, and leading his line by example. You can see his teammates feeding off his energy. While he is just 18, he could see an “A” at some point.
There is still plenty of time for the Spitfires to finalize their new leadership group. While the final selections remain unknown, it is clear that the composition will look vastly different from last season as they guide this group into a new era.
