Windsor Spitfires
Encyclopedia
{Hockey team| CAN_eng = 1
| team = Windsor Spitfires
| color = #CF111B
| color text = #FFFFFF
| logo = Windsor Spitfires Logo.svg
| logosize = 200px
| city = Windsor, Ontario
| league = Ontario Hockey League
| conference = Western
| division = West
| founded =
The Windsor Spitfires are a junior ice hockey
team in the Ontario Hockey League
. The team is based in Windsor, Ontario
, Canada. The franchise was granted for the 1975–76 season and revived a previous OHA Jr. A Spitfires
team which moved to become the Hamilton Tiger Cubs
in 1953.
players. Prior to 1945 local junior hockey was divided up into the 6-team Windsor Junior Hockey League. The folding of the Spitfires occurred in 1953 as hockey interests in Windsor chose to focus their attention on the OHA Senior A Hockey League. This resulted in the founding of the Windsor Bulldogs
. Eventually five former Spitfires laced up with the Bulldogs and one, Bobby Brown, won an Allan Cup
with the team (1963). The Bulldogs folded in 1964 after one season in the International Hockey League.
The modern Windsor Spitfires started as a Junior A team which played in the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League
from 1971–1975. The Spitfires won the 1973 Jack Oakes Trophy as league playoff champions and were regular season champions in 1974 and 1975, and were granted entry into the OMJHL (later known as the OHL) as an expansion franchise for the 1975–76 OMJHL season, after a 22 year hiatus.
The "Spits" as they are commonly known, won their first Emms division
title in 1980 and reached the OHL finals, but lost to the Peterborough Petes
. Ernie Godden set an all-time OHL record in 1980–81 scoring 87 goals. In 1984 Peter Karmanos, the founder and CEO of Compuware
, bought the team and renamed them the Windsor Compuware Spitfires.
In a well-executed four-year plan, Windsor won the J. Ross Robertson Cup
in 1987–88, defeating the Peterborough Petes for the OHL championship. The Compuware Spitfires won 35 of their last 36 games played, including being the first team to be undefeated in the OHL playoffs. Windsor also won 54 games and lost none, when leading after two periods. The Spitfires played in the 1988 Memorial Cup
hosted in Chicoutimi, Quebec
. Windsor lost in the championship game to the Medicine Hat Tigers
.
Karmanos sold the team to local construction magnate Steve Riolo after the 1988–89 season, and the team reverted back the Windsor Spitfires name and adopted their modern logo.
On October 18, 2005, Head Coach
Moe Mantha
was handed a 40 game suspension and later terminated without pay, for a hazing
incident that occurred aboard a bus after a pre-season game versus the London Knights
. An altercation involving players Steve Downie
and Akim Aliu
, in which Aliu lost four teeth, led to public exposure of the compulsive hazing within the Spitfires organization. Downie was traded to the Peterborough Petes
, and Aliu was traded to the Sudbury Wolves
.
On April 6, 2006, the Ontario Hockey League Board of Governors announced the approval of a new ownership group for the Windsor Spitfires. The group is composed of Bob Boughner
, Warren Rychel
and Peter Dobrich. All three men had history in Windsor with OHL hockey, and the group had expressed hope to move the team into a new arena. Boughner assumed the roles of President, CEO and head coach of the Spitfires, Rychel was named director of player development, and Dobrich the new business manager.
On February 18, 2008, team captain and Calgary Flames
prospect Mickey Renaud died of an undetected heart condition in his Tecumseh, Ontario
home. General Manager Warren Rychel
referred to Renaud's death as "the biggest tragedy in Spitfire history". His number was retired by both the Spitfires and the Tecumseh Chiefs
Junior B franchise that he played on before graduating to Major Junior. Mayor Eddie Francis
named a road leading to the WFCU Centre
in Renaud's honour, Mickey Renaud Way. At the 2009 OHL All-Star Game at the WFCU Centre
in Windsor, OHL Commissioner David Branch
announced that the Mickey Renaud Captain's Trophy
would be awarded to the "team captain that best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice as well as hard work, passion and dedication to the game of hockey and their community" in honour of Renaud.
the Spitfires were awarded the Hamilton Spectator Trophy
. The Spitfires also played their final games in the Windsor Arena
. The Spits were undefeated at home in the Old Barn during the 2008–09 season. Mid-season they moved to the WFCU Centre
. The Spitfires and their new arena played host to the 2009 All-Star Game. On May 12, Goalie Andrew Engelage
broke the OHL record for most wins by a goaltender in a single season with 46 with a 5-1 win over the Plymouth Whalers
.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Spitfires walked all over the Owen Sound Attack
, taking the series in four games. In the next round, the Spits found the Plymouth Whalers
to be a more formidable opponent. After trading off road wins, then trading off home wins, the Spits took Games 5 and 6 to clinch the series. In the Western Conference final, the Spits played their arch nemesis the London Knights
. Led by John Tavares, the Knights were a tough opponent. Every game in the series went to overtime, but the Spitfires were victorious and won the series 4-games-to-1 to earn a berth to the OHL Final and take the Wayne Gretzky Trophy
as Conference champions. The OHL Final began with a 10-1 victory for the Spitfires over the Eastern Conference's Brampton Battalion
. The series became much tighter from there as the Spits took Game 2 5-3. The Battalion fought back in Game 3, winning 4-2. Game 4 belonged to the Spitfires as they took a 4-1 win and a 3-1 series lead. Game 5 was a tight affair, as the Spitfires took a 1-0 lead midway through the second period on the power play. Brampton tied the game up late in the third period to force overtime. At 2:09 of the first overtime period, Taylor Hall
scored on the power play to win the Spitfires their second J. Ross Robertson Cup
as league champions and a berth into the 2009 Memorial Cup
. The victory was the Spitfires' first league title since the 1987–88 OHL season and marked their second time playing for the Memorial Cup
. On May 9, Mayor of Windsor
Eddie Francis
awarded the team with the Key to the City
in honour of their achievement.
At the 2009 Memorial Cup
, the Spitfires dropped their first two games in Rimouski 3-2 in overtime to the Drummondville Voltigeurs
and 5-4 to the Rimouski Océanic
. In a do-or-die game, the Spitfires won the final game of the round robin 2-1 over the Kelowna Rockets
to gain entry to the tie-breaker game. In the tie-breaker, Windsor defeated the hometown Océanic 6-4 powered by a third period natural hat-trick by Dale Mitchell. The tournament semi-final was between the Spitfires and the Voltigeurs. The Spitfires blew an early 2-0 lead, but won 3-2 in overtime of a goal by Adam Henrique
to become the second team ever to play in the Memorial Cup final after playing in the tie-breaker game. In the final, the Spitfires again played the Rockets. The Spitfires scored on their first three shots and cruised to a 4-1 win to take their first ever Memorial Cup
championship. Their victory marked the first time a team started with two losses in the Memorial Cup round robin and came back to win the championship. The feat also marks the first time that a team has survived the Memorial Cup tie-breaker game to win the championship. The Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy
was awarded to Taylor Hall
as Memorial Cup playoffs most valuable player. Both Ryan Ellis
and Hall were elected to the tournament's All-Star Team. Throughout the Memorial Cup tournament, the Spitfires hung Mickey Renaud's jersey on their bench and the championship was won in Renaud's memory.
In the aftermath of the championship, the team was met at the Windsor Airport
by a large contingent of local fans and was addressed by Mayor Eddie Francis
. It was announced that the road to the new WFCU Centre
would be renamed Memorial Cup Drive in honour of the victory.
(won by the Barrie Colts
). For being the top team in their division, the Spitfires were awarded their second straight Bumbacco Trophy
. Taylor Hall
would tie Tyler Seguin
of the Plymouth Whalers
in the scoring lead and both were awarded the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy
as co-scoring champions. The Spitfires also played host to the CHL Top Prospects Game
.
The Spitfires sent six players to the 2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
. Ryan Ellis
, Taylor Hall, Adam Henrique
, and Greg Nemisz
played for Silver Medallist Canada, Cam Fowler
played for Gold Medallist United States, Richard Panik
played for Slovakia, and Philipp Grubauer competed in the B Pool for Germany. At the end of the tournament, the Spitfires acquired defencemen Marc Cantin
, forward Stephen Johnston
and German goalie Philipp Grubauer from the Belleville Bulls in exchange for forwards Richard Panik
and Austen Brassard, defencemen Paul Bezzo, goaltender Steve Gleeson, and a seventh round pick in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Spitfires swept the Erie Otters
in four games. In the Conference semi-final, the Spitfires swept the Plymouth Whalers
in four games. In the other semi-final, the Kitchener Rangers
defeated the London Knights
in seven games. With the Spitfires arch nemesis out of the playoffs, Windsor seemed to take the Rangers too easy at first and quickly found themselves down 3-games-to-none in the series. The Spitfires would become the third team in Ontario Hockey League
history to come back from a three game deficit to win a series as they took the series in seven over the Rangers to win the conference and the Wayne Gretzky Trophy
. In the league final, the Spitfires made quick work of a highly touted Barrie Colts
squad, sweeping them in four games for the J. Ross Robertson Cup
. Adam Henrique
won the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award
as the playoff's most valuable player.
In May, the Spitfires travelled to Brandon, Manitoba
for the 2010 Memorial Cup
. In their first game, the Spitfires trampled the host Brandon Wheat Kings
9-3. In their second game, the Spitfires shocked the Western Hockey League
champion Calgary Hitmen
with a 6-2 win. With the win, the Spitfires had punched their ticket to the Memorial Cup final by way of tie-breakers. They did not need to defeat the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
's Moncton Wildcats
, but did anyway, 4-3 in overtime. In the tournament final, the Spitfires would play the Brandon Wheat Kings
again. This time, the Spitfires defeated the Wheat Kings 9-1 en route to their second straight Memorial Cup as National Junior Hockey Champions. Their victory marked their 12th straight win since going down 0-3 to Kitchener, as they finished the playoffs with 20 wins and 3 losses. Taylor Hall won his second straight Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy
as Memorial Cup most valuable player, the first repeat winner in the trophy's history.
s, the Summer of 2010 saw leading scorer Taylor Hall
go first overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft
to the Edmonton Oilers
and Coach Bob Boughner
accepted an assistant coaching job with the National Hockey League
's Columbus Blue Jackets
. The Spitfires have engaged in a massive overhaul involving many trades.
During the exhibition season, the Spitfires hosted the Czech Under-20 National Team
. The Spitfires came back to win the game 5-4. Spitfires finished the exhibition schedule with 4 wins 1 loss and 1 tie.
After another successful season the Spits finished 4th in the Western Conference to advance to the playoffs. The Spitfires reached the Conference Final for the third consecutive year. Following two hard fought battles the Spits were eliminated from the playoffs for the first time in three years by the Owen Sound Attack. The Attack went on the win the OHL Championship.
returned to the Spitfires as Head Coach, with Bob Jones remaining on the staff as his assistant.
The Windsor Compuware Spitfires won the Hamilton Spectator Trophy, the J. Ross Robertson Cup, and were the top-ranked junior team in Canada during the 1987–88 season.
. Four of those alumni have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame
. Those are:Glenn Hall
, Marcel Pronovost
, Terry Sawchuk
, and Al Arbour
as coach.
Note: (OA) = Over Age player, (AP) = Alternate Player
Legend: OTL = Overtime loss, SL = Shootout loss
The Spitfires worked with the Ontario Hockey League and Reebok - official supplier of uniforms to the OHL - in finalizing the new uniform. The new jerseys sport shoulder patches featuring the vintage Spitfire plane encircled by a gold laurel wreath and containing the number 18 to commemorate former Spitfires captain Mickey Renaud. Both the primary logo and shoulder patch designs were collaborations by Marcello Fontana and Shane Potvin, both senior art directors at Hargreaves Stewart.
The Windsor Spitfires use white jerseys on the road until Christmas and at home in the new year and the red jerseys at home until Christmas and on the road in the new year. The Spitfires briefly used a third jersey featuring a white, red and green colour scheme and an alternate logo featuring an airplane flying in front of the Ambassador Bridge
. When the team was also known as the Compuware Spitfires the team's colours were brown and orange, with a logo featuring a Spitfire airplane. The original Spitfires logo featured a maple leaf.
, which was originally announced on October 7, 2006, and was built to be ready for the 2008–09 OHL season. The first game at the new arena was held on December 11, resulting in a 4-0 loss to the Belleville Bulls
.
The Spitfires previously played at Windsor Arena
, built in 1924 in downtown Windsor, Ontario
. The arena was originally known as the "Border Cities Arena" and was once home to the Detroit Red Wings
of the NHL prior to 1927. The Windsor Arena, nicknamed "The Barn," was the oldest operating facility in the Canadian Hockey League. It hosted the OHL All-Star game in 1978, and the Memorial Cup
in 1981. On December 4, 2008, the Windsor Spitfires played their last game at "The Barn" against the Guelph Storm
, winning 2-1. In the 12 games the Spitfires played at The Barn for the 2008-09 season, the Spitfires were perfect with 12 wins and no losses. Their first home loss of the season took place in their first game at the WFCU Centre.
| team = Windsor Spitfires
| color = #CF111B
| color text = #FFFFFF
| logo = Windsor Spitfires Logo.svg
| logosize = 200px
| city = Windsor, Ontario
Windsor, Ontario
Windsor is the southernmost city in Canada and is located in Southwestern Ontario at the western end of the heavily populated Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. It is within Essex County, Ontario, although administratively separated from the county government. Separated by the Detroit River, Windsor...
| league = Ontario Hockey League
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
| conference = Western
Western Conference (OHL)
The Western Conference is one of two conferences in the Ontario Hockey League used to divide teams. Its counterpart is the Eastern Conference.The trophy that's awarded to the conference champion , is the Wayne Gretzky Trophy...
| division = West
| founded =
The Windsor Spitfires are a junior ice hockey
Junior ice hockey
Junior hockey is a catch-all term used to describe various levels of ice hockey competition for players generally between 16 and 20 years of age...
team in the Ontario Hockey League
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
. The team is based in Windsor, Ontario
Windsor, Ontario
Windsor is the southernmost city in Canada and is located in Southwestern Ontario at the western end of the heavily populated Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. It is within Essex County, Ontario, although administratively separated from the county government. Separated by the Detroit River, Windsor...
, Canada. The franchise was granted for the 1975–76 season and revived a previous OHA Jr. A Spitfires
Windsor Spitfires (1946-1953)
The Windsor Spitfires were a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey Association from 1946 to 1953. The team was based in Windsor, Ontario. The current Windsor Spitfires, founded in 1971, are the namesake of the these Spitfires...
team which moved to become the Hamilton Tiger Cubs
Hamilton Tiger Cubs
The Hamilton Tiger Cubs were a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey Association from 1953 to 1960. The team was based in Hamilton, Ontario.-History:The Hamilton Tiger Cubs were named after the Hamilton Tigers NHL team that played in the 1920s...
in 1953.
History
The Original Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey Association played Junior A hockey from 1945 to 1953. During this period the Spitfires reached the league finals twice, and featured four future Hockey Hall of FameHockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, it is both a museum and a hall of fame. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup...
players. Prior to 1945 local junior hockey was divided up into the 6-team Windsor Junior Hockey League. The folding of the Spitfires occurred in 1953 as hockey interests in Windsor chose to focus their attention on the OHA Senior A Hockey League. This resulted in the founding of the Windsor Bulldogs
Windsor Bulldogs
The Windsor Bulldogs are a defunct Canadian semi-professional and amateur senior ice hockey team. The team played in the City of Windsor, Ontario, Canada and participated in the International Hockey League and the OHA Senior A Hockey League prior to the IHL....
. Eventually five former Spitfires laced up with the Bulldogs and one, Bobby Brown, won an Allan Cup
Allan Cup
The Allan Cup is the trophy awarded annually to the national senior amateur men’s ice hockey champions of Canada. It has been competed for since 1909. The current champion is the Clarenville Caribous hockey club of Newfoundland and Labrador.-History:...
with the team (1963). The Bulldogs folded in 1964 after one season in the International Hockey League.
The modern Windsor Spitfires started as a Junior A team which played in the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League
Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League
----The Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League was a Tier II Junior "A" ice hockey that lasted from the late 1960s until 1977 in Southern Ontario, Canada. The league was swallowed by what is now called the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League in 1977....
from 1971–1975. The Spitfires won the 1973 Jack Oakes Trophy as league playoff champions and were regular season champions in 1974 and 1975, and were granted entry into the OMJHL (later known as the OHL) as an expansion franchise for the 1975–76 OMJHL season, after a 22 year hiatus.
The "Spits" as they are commonly known, won their first Emms division
Emms Trophy
The Emms Trophy was first presented in 1975–76 to the winners of the Ontario Hockey League's Emms Division. Since 1994–95 it has been presented to the winner of the Central Division. The award is named in recognition of Leighton "Hap" Emms and his contribution to junior hockey in Ontario.-Winners...
title in 1980 and reached the OHL finals, but lost to the Peterborough Petes
Peterborough Petes
The Peterborough Petes are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The team has played in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, since 1956, and is the oldest continuously operating team in the league.-History:...
. Ernie Godden set an all-time OHL record in 1980–81 scoring 87 goals. In 1984 Peter Karmanos, the founder and CEO of Compuware
Compuware
Compuware Corporation is a software company with products aimed at the information technology departments of large businesses. The company's services also include testing, development, professional services automation, project and portfolio management, cloud-based collaboration and performance...
, bought the team and renamed them the Windsor Compuware Spitfires.
In a well-executed four-year plan, Windsor won the J. Ross Robertson Cup
J. Ross Robertson Cup
The J. Ross Robertson Cup is an ice hockey trophy awarded annually to the winner of the Ontario Hockey League playoff championship. It was presented by and named for John Ross Robertson, the president of the Ontario Hockey Association who served from 1899 to 1905.Originally it was awarded to the...
in 1987–88, defeating the Peterborough Petes for the OHL championship. The Compuware Spitfires won 35 of their last 36 games played, including being the first team to be undefeated in the OHL playoffs. Windsor also won 54 games and lost none, when leading after two periods. The Spitfires played in the 1988 Memorial Cup
Memorial Cup
The Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major...
hosted in Chicoutimi, Quebec
Chicoutimi, Quebec
Chicoutimi is one of the three boroughs of Saguenay, Quebec, Canada, and was a separate city in its own right until 2002. Chicoutimi had a population of 59,764 in the Canada 2001 Census, the last census in which Chicoutimi was counted as a separate city....
. Windsor lost in the championship game to the Medicine Hat Tigers
Medicine Hat Tigers
The Medicine Hat Tigers are a junior ice hockey team in the Western Hockey League who play out of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. Established in 1970, the team has won two national Memorial Cups, five WHL League Championships and seven Division Titles. The Tigers play at the Medicine Hat Arena....
.
Karmanos sold the team to local construction magnate Steve Riolo after the 1988–89 season, and the team reverted back the Windsor Spitfires name and adopted their modern logo.
Conflict, renewal, tragedy
Head coach
A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
Moe Mantha
Moe Mantha, Jr.
Maurice William Mantha, Jr. is a retired American-born Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman and former coach who played twelve seasons in the National Hockey League with the Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota North Stars and Philadelphia Flyers.-Playing...
was handed a 40 game suspension and later terminated without pay, for a hazing
Hazing
Hazing is a term used to describe various ritual and other activities involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group....
incident that occurred aboard a bus after a pre-season game versus the London Knights
London Knights
The London Knights are a junior ice hockey team from London, Ontario, Canada, playing in the Ontario Hockey League, one of the leagues of the Canadian Hockey League.-Early days–1968:...
. An altercation involving players Steve Downie
Steve Downie
Steve Downie is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the National Hockey League.-Playing career:...
and Akim Aliu
Akim Aliu
Akim Aliu is a professional ice hockey player currently playing in the Winnipeg Jets organization. Aliu was born in Okene, Nigeria. Shortly after he was born his family moved to Kiev, Ukraine. Akim's family came to Canada when he was 12...
, in which Aliu lost four teeth, led to public exposure of the compulsive hazing within the Spitfires organization. Downie was traded to the Peterborough Petes
Peterborough Petes
The Peterborough Petes are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The team has played in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, since 1956, and is the oldest continuously operating team in the league.-History:...
, and Aliu was traded to the Sudbury Wolves
Sudbury Wolves
The Sudbury Wolves are the name of the ice hockey team from Sudbury, Ontario. Sudbury has had a hockey team known as the "Wolves" nearly every year since World War I. The Sudbury Wolves, the senior men's AAA team, have twice been chosen to be Canada's representatives at the Ice Hockey World...
.
On April 6, 2006, the Ontario Hockey League Board of Governors announced the approval of a new ownership group for the Windsor Spitfires. The group is composed of Bob Boughner
Bob Boughner
Robert Boughner , nicknamed The Boogieman, is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman and was an assistant coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2010/11 season...
, Warren Rychel
Warren Rychel
Warren Stanley Rychel is a Canadian former professional ice hockey Left winger who played eight seasons in the National Hockey League. He is currently part-owner of the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League.-Career:...
and Peter Dobrich. All three men had history in Windsor with OHL hockey, and the group had expressed hope to move the team into a new arena. Boughner assumed the roles of President, CEO and head coach of the Spitfires, Rychel was named director of player development, and Dobrich the new business manager.
On February 18, 2008, team captain and Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...
prospect Mickey Renaud died of an undetected heart condition in his Tecumseh, Ontario
Tecumseh, Ontario
Tecumseh is a town on Lake St. Clair east of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It has a population of just over 24,000.Tecumseh enjoys long summers and mild winters...
home. General Manager Warren Rychel
Warren Rychel
Warren Stanley Rychel is a Canadian former professional ice hockey Left winger who played eight seasons in the National Hockey League. He is currently part-owner of the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League.-Career:...
referred to Renaud's death as "the biggest tragedy in Spitfire history". His number was retired by both the Spitfires and the Tecumseh Chiefs
Tecumseh Chiefs
The LaSalle Vipers are a Canadian junior ice hockey team based in LaSalle, Ontario, Canada. They play in the Western division of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.-History:...
Junior B franchise that he played on before graduating to Major Junior. Mayor Eddie Francis
Eddie Francis
Eddie Francis is a Canadian politician, currently serving as mayor of Windsor, Ontario. He was 29 years old when he was elected mayor in 2003, the youngest mayor in Windsor's history and one of the youngest mayors ever elected in Canada...
named a road leading to the WFCU Centre
WFCU Centre
The WFCU Centre is a sports-entertainment centre in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It opened on December 11, 2008, and it is named after the Windsor Family Credit Union, a local financial institution...
in Renaud's honour, Mickey Renaud Way. At the 2009 OHL All-Star Game at the WFCU Centre
WFCU Centre
The WFCU Centre is a sports-entertainment centre in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It opened on December 11, 2008, and it is named after the Windsor Family Credit Union, a local financial institution...
in Windsor, OHL Commissioner David Branch
David Branch
David E. Branch has served as the Commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League since September 15, 1979, and as the President of the Canadian Hockey League since 1996...
announced that the Mickey Renaud Captain's Trophy
Mickey Renaud Captain's Trophy
The Mickey Renaud Captain's Trophy is an award in the Ontario Hockey League which is given to one team captain every year. The award was announced on February 4, 2009 at the 2009 OHL All-Star Classic hosted at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario...
would be awarded to the "team captain that best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice as well as hard work, passion and dedication to the game of hockey and their community" in honour of Renaud.
2008–09 season
The Windsor Spitfires finished the 2008–09 season with 57 wins, 10 losses, and 1 shootout loss. This marked their best season in franchise history. With the first overall record in the Ontario Hockey LeagueOntario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
the Spitfires were awarded the Hamilton Spectator Trophy
Hamilton Spectator Trophy
The Hamilton Spectator Trophy is an award given to the Ontario Hockey League team who finishes the season with the best record. It was first presented to the Ontario Hockey Association by The Hamilton Spectator. The trophy was first presented in 1957–58....
. The Spitfires also played their final games in the Windsor Arena
Windsor Arena
Windsor Arena is an indoor arena located in Windsor, Ontario. Its capacity is approximately 4,400 with standing room. The arena's ice is an asymmetrical by or...
. The Spits were undefeated at home in the Old Barn during the 2008–09 season. Mid-season they moved to the WFCU Centre
WFCU Centre
The WFCU Centre is a sports-entertainment centre in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It opened on December 11, 2008, and it is named after the Windsor Family Credit Union, a local financial institution...
. The Spitfires and their new arena played host to the 2009 All-Star Game. On May 12, Goalie Andrew Engelage
Andrew Engelage
Andrew Engelage is an ice hockey player for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League. Engelage had previously played professional hockey for the Utah Grizzlies and Reading Royals of the ECHL. Prior to turning pro, Engelage played for the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League...
broke the OHL record for most wins by a goaltender in a single season with 46 with a 5-1 win over the Plymouth Whalers
Plymouth Whalers
The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:...
.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Spitfires walked all over the Owen Sound Attack
Owen Sound Attack
The Owen Sound Attack are a junior ice hockey in the Ontario Hockey League since the year 2000. The Attack are based in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada.-History:...
, taking the series in four games. In the next round, the Spits found the Plymouth Whalers
Plymouth Whalers
The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:...
to be a more formidable opponent. After trading off road wins, then trading off home wins, the Spits took Games 5 and 6 to clinch the series. In the Western Conference final, the Spits played their arch nemesis the London Knights
London Knights
The London Knights are a junior ice hockey team from London, Ontario, Canada, playing in the Ontario Hockey League, one of the leagues of the Canadian Hockey League.-Early days–1968:...
. Led by John Tavares, the Knights were a tough opponent. Every game in the series went to overtime, but the Spitfires were victorious and won the series 4-games-to-1 to earn a berth to the OHL Final and take the Wayne Gretzky Trophy
Wayne Gretzky Trophy
The Wayne Gretzky Trophy is the championship trophy of the Western Conference of the Ontario Hockey League. It is named in honour of Wayne Gretzky. The corresponding trophy of the OHL Eastern Conference is the Bobby Orr Trophy. The trophy should not be confused with the similar-sounding Wayne...
as Conference champions. The OHL Final began with a 10-1 victory for the Spitfires over the Eastern Conference's Brampton Battalion
Brampton Battalion
The Brampton Battalion are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The team is based in Brampton, Ontario and started playing in 1998.-History:The Brampton Battalion were granted an expansion franchise on December 3, 1996...
. The series became much tighter from there as the Spits took Game 2 5-3. The Battalion fought back in Game 3, winning 4-2. Game 4 belonged to the Spitfires as they took a 4-1 win and a 3-1 series lead. Game 5 was a tight affair, as the Spitfires took a 1-0 lead midway through the second period on the power play. Brampton tied the game up late in the third period to force overtime. At 2:09 of the first overtime period, Taylor Hall
Taylor Hall (ice hockey b. 1991)
Taylor Strba Hall is a Canadian ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hall has had a highly successful junior career, helping the Windsor Spitfires to two consecutive Memorial Cup...
scored on the power play to win the Spitfires their second J. Ross Robertson Cup
J. Ross Robertson Cup
The J. Ross Robertson Cup is an ice hockey trophy awarded annually to the winner of the Ontario Hockey League playoff championship. It was presented by and named for John Ross Robertson, the president of the Ontario Hockey Association who served from 1899 to 1905.Originally it was awarded to the...
as league champions and a berth into the 2009 Memorial Cup
2009 Memorial Cup
The 2009 Memorial Cup was a four-team round-robin format ice hockey tournament played during May 2009 in Rimouski, Quebec to determine the junior ice hockey championship of the Canadian Hockey League. The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League announced on April 3, 2008, that the Rimouski Océanic were...
. The victory was the Spitfires' first league title since the 1987–88 OHL season and marked their second time playing for the Memorial Cup
Memorial Cup
The Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major...
. On May 9, Mayor of Windsor
Windsor, Ontario
Windsor is the southernmost city in Canada and is located in Southwestern Ontario at the western end of the heavily populated Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. It is within Essex County, Ontario, although administratively separated from the county government. Separated by the Detroit River, Windsor...
Eddie Francis
Eddie Francis
Eddie Francis is a Canadian politician, currently serving as mayor of Windsor, Ontario. He was 29 years old when he was elected mayor in 2003, the youngest mayor in Windsor's history and one of the youngest mayors ever elected in Canada...
awarded the team with the Key to the City
Freedom of the City
Freedom of the City is an honour bestowed by some municipalities in Australia, Canada, Ireland, France, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, Gibraltar and Rhodesia to esteemed members of its community and to organisations to be honoured, often for service to the community;...
in honour of their achievement.
At the 2009 Memorial Cup
2009 Memorial Cup
The 2009 Memorial Cup was a four-team round-robin format ice hockey tournament played during May 2009 in Rimouski, Quebec to determine the junior ice hockey championship of the Canadian Hockey League. The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League announced on April 3, 2008, that the Rimouski Océanic were...
, the Spitfires dropped their first two games in Rimouski 3-2 in overtime to the Drummondville Voltigeurs
Drummondville Voltigeurs
The Drummondville Voltigeurs are a junior ice hockey team of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The franchise was originally granted for the 1982–83 season, and are based out of Drummondville, Quebec. The team plays its home games at the Centre Marcel Dionne...
and 5-4 to the Rimouski Océanic
Rimouski Océanic
The Rimouski Océanic are a junior ice hockey team in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League . The franchise was granted for the 1969–70 season...
. In a do-or-die game, the Spitfires won the final game of the round robin 2-1 over the Kelowna Rockets
Kelowna Rockets
The Kelowna Rockets are a major junior ice hockey team based in Kelowna, British Columbia. The Rockets play in the Western Hockey League , out of the Canadian Hockey League . They play their home games at Prospera Place....
to gain entry to the tie-breaker game. In the tie-breaker, Windsor defeated the hometown Océanic 6-4 powered by a third period natural hat-trick by Dale Mitchell. The tournament semi-final was between the Spitfires and the Voltigeurs. The Spitfires blew an early 2-0 lead, but won 3-2 in overtime of a goal by Adam Henrique
Adam Henrique
-International:-Awards and honours:*Won Gold Medal at Ice hockey at the 2007 Canada Games *Won 2009 Memorial Cup *Wayne Gretzky 99 Award...
to become the second team ever to play in the Memorial Cup final after playing in the tie-breaker game. In the final, the Spitfires again played the Rockets. The Spitfires scored on their first three shots and cruised to a 4-1 win to take their first ever Memorial Cup
Memorial Cup
The Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major...
championship. Their victory marked the first time a team started with two losses in the Memorial Cup round robin and came back to win the championship. The feat also marks the first time that a team has survived the Memorial Cup tie-breaker game to win the championship. The Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy
Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy
The Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy is a Canadian Hockey League trophy, awarded to the most valuable player in the annual Memorial Cup Tournament...
was awarded to Taylor Hall
Taylor Hall (ice hockey b. 1991)
Taylor Strba Hall is a Canadian ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hall has had a highly successful junior career, helping the Windsor Spitfires to two consecutive Memorial Cup...
as Memorial Cup playoffs most valuable player. Both Ryan Ellis
Ryan Ellis
Ryan Ellis is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League....
and Hall were elected to the tournament's All-Star Team. Throughout the Memorial Cup tournament, the Spitfires hung Mickey Renaud's jersey on their bench and the championship was won in Renaud's memory.
In the aftermath of the championship, the team was met at the Windsor Airport
Windsor Airport
Windsor Airport, , is located in the southeast portion of the city of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The airport serves a mixture of scheduled airline flights and general aviation, and is a popular point of entry into Canada for private and business aircraft...
by a large contingent of local fans and was addressed by Mayor Eddie Francis
Eddie Francis
Eddie Francis is a Canadian politician, currently serving as mayor of Windsor, Ontario. He was 29 years old when he was elected mayor in 2003, the youngest mayor in Windsor's history and one of the youngest mayors ever elected in Canada...
. It was announced that the road to the new WFCU Centre
WFCU Centre
The WFCU Centre is a sports-entertainment centre in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It opened on December 11, 2008, and it is named after the Windsor Family Credit Union, a local financial institution...
would be renamed Memorial Cup Drive in honour of the victory.
2009–10 season
The Spitfires came back in 2009–10 with a second straight 50-or-more win season, finishing with a record of 50 wins, 12 losses, 1 overtime loss, and 5 shootout losses. The record was good enough for the top seed in the Western Conference, but not good enough to clinch their second straight Hamilton Spectator TrophyHamilton Spectator Trophy
The Hamilton Spectator Trophy is an award given to the Ontario Hockey League team who finishes the season with the best record. It was first presented to the Ontario Hockey Association by The Hamilton Spectator. The trophy was first presented in 1957–58....
(won by the Barrie Colts
Barrie Colts
The Barrie Colts are a junior ice hockey team in Ontario Hockey League, based in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. There were two previous Barrie Colts team which played Junior A & B hockey in the Ontario Hockey Association, one from 1907 until 1910 and another from the 1920s to 1940s.-Original Colts:The...
). For being the top team in their division, the Spitfires were awarded their second straight Bumbacco Trophy
Bumbacco Trophy
The Bumbacco Trophy is awarded annually to the regular season champion of the Ontario Hockey League's West Division. The trophy was inaugurated in 1994–1995 when the league realigned into three divisions. The award is named after former Sault Ste...
. Taylor Hall
Taylor Hall (ice hockey b. 1991)
Taylor Strba Hall is a Canadian ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hall has had a highly successful junior career, helping the Windsor Spitfires to two consecutive Memorial Cup...
would tie Tyler Seguin
Tyler Seguin
Tyler Seguin is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . He was a draft pick of the Bruins, selected second overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft...
of the Plymouth Whalers
Plymouth Whalers
The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:...
in the scoring lead and both were awarded the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy
Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy
The Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the top scorer in the Ontario Hockey League. The trophy was donated by the Toronto Marlboro Athletic Club in memory of Edward Powers, and was first awarded to Tod Sloan of St...
as co-scoring champions. The Spitfires also played host to the CHL Top Prospects Game
CHL Top Prospects Game
The CHL Top Prospects Game is an annual event in which forty of the top draft eligible prospects in the Canadian Hockey League play against each other, each hoping to boost their draft ranking with the National Hockey League scouts and general managers who attend.The players are typically coached...
.
The Spitfires sent six players to the 2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
The 2010 IIHF World U20 Championship, commonly referred to as the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships , was the 34th edition of World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. The tournament was hosted in Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, from December 26, 2009 to January 5, 2010...
. Ryan Ellis
Ryan Ellis
Ryan Ellis is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League....
, Taylor Hall, Adam Henrique
Adam Henrique
-International:-Awards and honours:*Won Gold Medal at Ice hockey at the 2007 Canada Games *Won 2009 Memorial Cup *Wayne Gretzky 99 Award...
, and Greg Nemisz
Greg Nemisz
Gregory Nemisz is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Abbotsford Heat of the American Hockey League . He is a prospect of the Calgary Flames, selected in the first round, 25th overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft...
played for Silver Medallist Canada, Cam Fowler
Cam Fowler
Cam Fowler is a Canadian-American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . He was selected twelfth overall by the Ducks in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft...
played for Gold Medallist United States, Richard Panik
Richard Pánik
Richard Pánik is a Slovak ice hockey player. Pánik was drafted in the second round, 52nd overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. He played two years professionally for HC Oceláři Třinec of the Czech Extraliga before being drafted. After being drafted in 2009, Pánik attended...
played for Slovakia, and Philipp Grubauer competed in the B Pool for Germany. At the end of the tournament, the Spitfires acquired defencemen Marc Cantin
Marc Cantin
Marc Cantin was a Québécois doctor and professor. His studies were completed at the University of Laval in Quebec and at the University of Chicago. He was a professor at the University of Montreal and at McGill University and worked with the doctor Hans Selye...
, forward Stephen Johnston
Stephen Johnston
Stephen Johnston is an Emmy Award winning narrator and winner of the Freedom Foundation's Thomas Jefferson Award.Stephen Johnston narrates and produces audio Bibles, and narrates Ronco commercials.-External links:*...
and German goalie Philipp Grubauer from the Belleville Bulls in exchange for forwards Richard Panik
Richard Pánik
Richard Pánik is a Slovak ice hockey player. Pánik was drafted in the second round, 52nd overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. He played two years professionally for HC Oceláři Třinec of the Czech Extraliga before being drafted. After being drafted in 2009, Pánik attended...
and Austen Brassard, defencemen Paul Bezzo, goaltender Steve Gleeson, and a seventh round pick in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Spitfires swept the Erie Otters
Erie Otters
The Erie Otters are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League . Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, they have played their home games at the Louis J. Tullio Arena since 1996...
in four games. In the Conference semi-final, the Spitfires swept the Plymouth Whalers
Plymouth Whalers
The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:...
in four games. In the other semi-final, the Kitchener Rangers
Kitchener Rangers
The Kitchener Rangers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League that have called Kitchener, Ontario, Canada their home since 1963. The Rangers are a publicly owned hockey team, governed by a 40-person Board of Directors made up of season ticket subscribers. The Rangers hosted...
defeated the London Knights
London Knights
The London Knights are a junior ice hockey team from London, Ontario, Canada, playing in the Ontario Hockey League, one of the leagues of the Canadian Hockey League.-Early days–1968:...
in seven games. With the Spitfires arch nemesis out of the playoffs, Windsor seemed to take the Rangers too easy at first and quickly found themselves down 3-games-to-none in the series. The Spitfires would become the third team in Ontario Hockey League
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
history to come back from a three game deficit to win a series as they took the series in seven over the Rangers to win the conference and the Wayne Gretzky Trophy
Wayne Gretzky Trophy
The Wayne Gretzky Trophy is the championship trophy of the Western Conference of the Ontario Hockey League. It is named in honour of Wayne Gretzky. The corresponding trophy of the OHL Eastern Conference is the Bobby Orr Trophy. The trophy should not be confused with the similar-sounding Wayne...
. In the league final, the Spitfires made quick work of a highly touted Barrie Colts
Barrie Colts
The Barrie Colts are a junior ice hockey team in Ontario Hockey League, based in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. There were two previous Barrie Colts team which played Junior A & B hockey in the Ontario Hockey Association, one from 1907 until 1910 and another from the 1920s to 1940s.-Original Colts:The...
squad, sweeping them in four games for the J. Ross Robertson Cup
J. Ross Robertson Cup
The J. Ross Robertson Cup is an ice hockey trophy awarded annually to the winner of the Ontario Hockey League playoff championship. It was presented by and named for John Ross Robertson, the president of the Ontario Hockey Association who served from 1899 to 1905.Originally it was awarded to the...
. Adam Henrique
Adam Henrique
-International:-Awards and honours:*Won Gold Medal at Ice hockey at the 2007 Canada Games *Won 2009 Memorial Cup *Wayne Gretzky 99 Award...
won the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award
Wayne Gretzky 99 Award
The Wayne Gretzky 99 Award is awarded annually to the Most Valuable Player in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs. It is named for Wayne Gretzky. The trophy should not be confused with the similarly named Wayne Gretzky Trophy, awarded annually to the playoff champion of the OHL's Western Conference...
as the playoff's most valuable player.
In May, the Spitfires travelled to Brandon, Manitoba
Brandon, Manitoba
Brandon is the second largest city in Manitoba, Canada, and is located in the southwestern area of the province. Brandon is the largest city in the Westman region of Manitoba. The city is located along the Assiniboine River. Spruce Woods Provincial Park and CFB Shilo are a relatively short distance...
for the 2010 Memorial Cup
2010 Memorial Cup
The 2010 Memorial Cup was a 4-team round-robin format tournament played during May 14–23, 2010 in Brandon, Manitoba. It determined the 92nd major junior champions of the Canadian Hockey League . The Western Hockey League announced on October 15, 2008, that the Brandon Wheat Kings were chosen to...
. In their first game, the Spitfires trampled the host Brandon Wheat Kings
Brandon Wheat Kings
The Brandon Wheat Kings are a Canadian junior ice hockey team based in Brandon, Manitoba. They compete in the Western Hockey League, and joined the league in the 1967–68 season. Prior to that they played in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and were known as the Brandon Elks for a short time in the...
9-3. In their second game, the Spitfires shocked the Western Hockey League
Western Hockey League
The Western Hockey League is a major junior ice hockey league based in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. The WHL is one of three leagues that constitute the Canadian Hockey League as the highest level of junior hockey in Canada...
champion Calgary Hitmen
Calgary Hitmen
The Calgary Hitmen are a major junior ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Hitmen play in the Central Division of the Western Hockey League . They play their home games at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Bret "The Hitman" Hart, a local-born professional wrestler, was a founding owner...
with a 6-2 win. With the win, the Spitfires had punched their ticket to the Memorial Cup final by way of tie-breakers. They did not need to defeat the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League is one of the three major junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League...
's Moncton Wildcats
Moncton Wildcats
The Moncton Wildcats are a junior ice hockey team in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. They play at the Moncton Coliseum in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada....
, but did anyway, 4-3 in overtime. In the tournament final, the Spitfires would play the Brandon Wheat Kings
Brandon Wheat Kings
The Brandon Wheat Kings are a Canadian junior ice hockey team based in Brandon, Manitoba. They compete in the Western Hockey League, and joined the league in the 1967–68 season. Prior to that they played in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and were known as the Brandon Elks for a short time in the...
again. This time, the Spitfires defeated the Wheat Kings 9-1 en route to their second straight Memorial Cup as National Junior Hockey Champions. Their victory marked their 12th straight win since going down 0-3 to Kitchener, as they finished the playoffs with 20 wins and 3 losses. Taylor Hall won his second straight Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy
Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy
The Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy is a Canadian Hockey League trophy, awarded to the most valuable player in the annual Memorial Cup Tournament...
as Memorial Cup most valuable player, the first repeat winner in the trophy's history.
2010–11 season
After two straight Memorial CupMemorial Cup
The Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major...
s, the Summer of 2010 saw leading scorer Taylor Hall
Taylor Hall
Taylor Strba Hall is a Canadian ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hall has had a highly successful junior career, helping the Windsor Spitfires to two consecutive Memorial Cup...
go first overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft
2010 NHL Entry Draft
The 2010 NHL Entry Draft was the 48th NHL Entry Draft, held on June 25–26, 2010 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, home arena of the Los Angeles Kings. This was the first time Los Angeles hosted the NHL Entry Draft. An unofficial record of 11 American-trained players were selected in...
to the Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
and Coach Bob Boughner
Bob Boughner
Robert Boughner , nicknamed The Boogieman, is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman and was an assistant coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2010/11 season...
accepted an assistant coaching job with the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
's Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, United States. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
. The Spitfires have engaged in a massive overhaul involving many trades.
During the exhibition season, the Spitfires hosted the Czech Under-20 National Team
Czech Republic men's national junior ice hockey team
The Czech men's national under 20 ice hockey team is the national under-20 ice hockey team in Czech Republic. The team represents Czech Republic at the International Ice Hockey Federation's IIHF World U20 Championship.-2011 WJC roster:...
. The Spitfires came back to win the game 5-4. Spitfires finished the exhibition schedule with 4 wins 1 loss and 1 tie.
After another successful season the Spits finished 4th in the Western Conference to advance to the playoffs. The Spitfires reached the Conference Final for the third consecutive year. Following two hard fought battles the Spits were eliminated from the playoffs for the first time in three years by the Owen Sound Attack. The Attack went on the win the OHL Championship.
2011-12 season
After one season with the Columbus Blue Jackets as assistant coach, Bob BoughnerBob Boughner
Robert Boughner , nicknamed The Boogieman, is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman and was an assistant coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2010/11 season...
returned to the Spitfires as Head Coach, with Bob Jones remaining on the staff as his assistant.
Championships
Memorial Cup Memorial Cup The Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major...
J. Ross Robertson Cup J. Ross Robertson Cup The J. Ross Robertson Cup is an ice hockey trophy awarded annually to the winner of the Ontario Hockey League playoff championship. It was presented by and named for John Ross Robertson, the president of the Ontario Hockey Association who served from 1899 to 1905.Originally it was awarded to the...
Emms Division Playoff Champions
Wayne Gretzky Trophy Wayne Gretzky Trophy The Wayne Gretzky Trophy is the championship trophy of the Western Conference of the Ontario Hockey League. It is named in honour of Wayne Gretzky. The corresponding trophy of the OHL Eastern Conference is the Bobby Orr Trophy. The trophy should not be confused with the similar-sounding Wayne... West Conference Champions
| Hamilton Spectator Trophy Hamilton Spectator Trophy The Hamilton Spectator Trophy is an award given to the Ontario Hockey League team who finishes the season with the best record. It was first presented to the Ontario Hockey Association by The Hamilton Spectator. The trophy was first presented in 1957–58....
Emms Trophy Emms Trophy The Emms Trophy was first presented in 1975–76 to the winners of the Ontario Hockey League's Emms Division. Since 1994–95 it has been presented to the winner of the Central Division. The award is named in recognition of Leighton "Hap" Emms and his contribution to junior hockey in Ontario.-Winners... Emms Division Champions
Bumbacco Trophy Bumbacco Trophy The Bumbacco Trophy is awarded annually to the regular season champion of the Ontario Hockey League's West Division. The trophy was inaugurated in 1994–1995 when the league realigned into three divisions. The award is named after former Sault Ste... West Division Champions
SOJAHL Regular Season Champions
SOJAHL Jack Oakes Trophy
OHA Jr. A Frank L. Buckland Trophy
|
Coaches
List of coaches with multiple seasons in parentheses.- 1970–73 – Jerry Serviss
- 1973–75 – Wayne MaxnerWayne MaxnerWayne Douglas Maxner is a Canadian former hockey player for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League ....
- 1975–76 – Doug Johnston & Wayne MaxnerWayne MaxnerWayne Douglas Maxner is a Canadian former hockey player for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League ....
- 1976–80 – Wayne Maxner (8)
- 1980–81 – Ron Harris & Ron Carroll
- 1981–82 – Marcel PronovostMarcel PronovostJoseph Rene Marcel Pronovost was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played for the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League. He played for the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League.Marcel was one of the best defensive defenceman of his era...
(2) - 1982–83 – Marcel Pronovost, Doug Imrie, John Becanic
- 1983–84 – Bob Boucher, Terry McConnell, Wayne Maxner
- 1984–85 – Mark Craig
- 1985–86 – Tom Webster (8)
- 1986–87 – Tom Webster, Jim RutherfordJim RutherfordJames Earl Rutherford is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League for the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings in the 1970s and 1980s...
, Tony McDonald - 1987–89 – Tom Webster (8)
- 1989–91 – Brad Smith (3)
- 1991–92 – Brad Smith, Wayne Maxner, Dave Prpich (3)
- 1992–93 – Wayne Maxner, Kevin McIntosh
- 1993–94 – Shane Parker
- 1994–95 – Mike Kelly (5)
- 1995–96 – Mike Kelly & Paul Gillis
- 1996–97 – Paul Gillis (2)
- 1997–98 – Vern StenlundVern StenlundDr. Vern Stenlund is a retired former professional hockey player who has become known in retirement for becoming an author and coach. He played in the NHL for the Cleveland Barons in the 1976–77 NHL season. After retiring, he earned his doctorate from the University of Michigan in 1994 and became...
, Dave Prpich, Tony Curtale - 1998–99 – Tony Curtale (2) & Dave Prpich
- 1999–02 – Tom Webster (8)
- 2002–03 – Tom Webster & Mike Kelly
- 2003–04 – Steve Smith & Mike Kelly
- 2004–05 – Mike Kelly
- 2005–06 – Moe Mantha, Jr., Bill Bowler & D.J. Smith (interim co-coaches)
- 2006–10 – Bob Boughner
- 2010–11 – Bob Jones
- 2011-Present - Bob Boughner
Players
There have been over 100 alumni of the OHA & OHL Junior A Spitfires who have graduated to play in the National Hockey LeagueNational Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
. Four of those alumni have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame
Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, it is both a museum and a hall of fame. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup...
. Those are:Glenn Hall
Glenn Hall
Glenn Henry "Mr. Goalie" Hall is a former professional ice hockey goaltender. During his National Hockey League career with the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks, and St. Louis Blues, Hall seldom missed a game and was a consistent performer, winning the Vezina Trophy three times, and the...
, Marcel Pronovost
Marcel Pronovost
Joseph Rene Marcel Pronovost was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played for the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League. He played for the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League.Marcel was one of the best defensive defenceman of his era...
, Terry Sawchuk
Terry Sawchuk
Terrance Gordon Sawchuk was a Ukrainian-Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played 21 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers.-Early life and playing career:Sawchuk was born and raised...
, and Al Arbour
Al Arbour
Alger Joseph "Radar" Arbour is a retired Canadian ice hockey player and a coach and executive in the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...
as coach.
Retired numbers
| Honoured numbers
|
Award winners
- 1980–81 – Ernie GoddenErnie GoddenErnie Alfred Godden is a retired professional ice hockey centre who played five games for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL He was chosen 55th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1981 after scoring 87 goals as a junior in the OHL and making the league's first all-star team...
Red Tilson TrophyRed Tilson TrophyThe Red Tilson Trophy is an annual award given to the most outstanding player in the Ontario Hockey League. The award is voted on by OHL writers and broadcasters, and is named for Red Tilson, a former played for the Oshawa Generals who was killed in service in the Second World War...
OHL Most Outstanding Player - 1987–88 – Darrin ShannonDarrin ShannonDarrin A. Shannon is a retired former professional ice hockey player who played for the Buffalo Sabres and the Winnipeg Jets/Phoenix Coyotes. He is the younger brother of Darryl Shannon and has 3 daughters and a wife...
CHL Scholastic Player of the YearCHL Scholastic Player of the YearThe CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award is awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League player who is best able to combine success on the ice with success in school.-Winners:*2010–11 Dougie Hamilton, Niagara IceDogs... - 1987–88 – Darrin ShannonDarrin ShannonDarrin A. Shannon is a retired former professional ice hockey player who played for the Buffalo Sabres and the Winnipeg Jets/Phoenix Coyotes. He is the younger brother of Darryl Shannon and has 3 daughters and a wife...
Bobby Smith TrophyBobby Smith TrophyThe Bobby Smith Trophy is awarded annually to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence....
OHL Scholastic Player of the Year - 1987–88 – Darrin ShannonDarrin ShannonDarrin A. Shannon is a retired former professional ice hockey player who played for the Buffalo Sabres and the Winnipeg Jets/Phoenix Coyotes. He is the younger brother of Darryl Shannon and has 3 daughters and a wife...
Max Kaminsky TrophyMax Kaminsky TrophyThe Max Kaminsky Trophy is awarded each year to the most outstanding defenceman in the Ontario Hockey League. Prior to 1969, the same trophy was awarded to the most sportsmanlike player in the league; since then, that player has been awarded the William Hanley Trophy.The award is named in honour of...
OHL Most Outstanding Defenceman - 1990–91 – Cory StillmanCory StillmanCory Stillman is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player.- Playing career :Stillman grew up in Peterborough, Ontario playing hockey for the Minor Petes program. He also played competitive baseball. In 1989–90, Stillman played for the Peterborough Roadrunners Jr.B...
Emms Family AwardEmms Family AwardThe Emms Family Award is presented annually to the top first year player in the Ontario Hockey League.The award was donated to the OHL by Leighton "Hap" Emms, former owner of franchises in Barrie, Niagara Falls and St...
OHL Rookie of the Year - 1991–92 – Todd WarrinerTodd WarrinerTodd Eaton Warriner is a retired Canadian ice hockey forward. Over the course of his career, Warriner has played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, Phoenix Coyotes, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Nashville Predators of the NHL...
CHL Top Draft Prospect AwardCHL Top Draft Prospect AwardThe CHL Top Draft Prospect Award is given out every year to the top eligible prospect for the NHL Entry Draft from the Canadian Hockey League. The award was first given in 1991, and was not given from 2003–05.-Winners:... - 1994–95 – Bill BowlerBill BowlerBill Bowler is a former professional ice hockey centre. He played nine games in the National Hockey League with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2000–01 season, recording two assists...
Leo Lalonde Memorial TrophyLeo Lalonde Memorial TrophyThe Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to the best overage player in the Ontario Hockey League. The Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy was donated by the trainers of the Ontario Hockey League in memory of the late Leo Lalonde, former chief scout of OHL Central Scouting.-Winners:*2010-11...
OHL Overage Player of the Year. - 1996–97 – Peter SarnoPeter SarnoPeter Sarno is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Alleghe Hockey in the Italian Serie A. He was selected in the sixth round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, 141st overall, by the Edmonton Oilers....
Emms Family AwardEmms Family AwardThe Emms Family Award is presented annually to the top first year player in the Ontario Hockey League.The award was donated to the OHL by Leighton "Hap" Emms, former owner of franchises in Barrie, Niagara Falls and St...
OHL Rookie of the Year - 1997–98 – Peter SarnoPeter SarnoPeter Sarno is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Alleghe Hockey in the Italian Serie A. He was selected in the sixth round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, 141st overall, by the Edmonton Oilers....
Eddie Powers Memorial TrophyEddie Powers Memorial TrophyThe Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the top scorer in the Ontario Hockey League. The trophy was donated by the Toronto Marlboro Athletic Club in memory of Edward Powers, and was first awarded to Tod Sloan of St...
OHL Scoring Champion - 2000–01 – Jason SpezzaJason SpezzaJason Anthony Rocco Spezza is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre, an alternate captain of the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League...
CHL Top Draft Prospect AwardCHL Top Draft Prospect AwardThe CHL Top Draft Prospect Award is given out every year to the top eligible prospect for the NHL Entry Draft from the Canadian Hockey League. The award was first given in 1991, and was not given from 2003–05.-Winners:... - 2002–03 – Kyle WellwoodKyle WellwoodKyle Wellwood is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who plays for the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL. He was originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs 134th overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft and played his first three seasons in the NHL with Toronto, before joining the Vancouver Canucks in...
William Hanley TrophyWilliam Hanley TrophyThe William Hanley Trophy is awarded to the Ontario Hockey League's Most Sportsmanlike Player. It is named for William Hanley, a former secretary-manager of the Ontario Hockey Association who served in that capacity for twenty-five years...
OHL Most Sportsmanlike Player - 2002–03 – Kyle WellwoodKyle WellwoodKyle Wellwood is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who plays for the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL. He was originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs 134th overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft and played his first three seasons in the NHL with Toronto, before joining the Vancouver Canucks in...
CHL Sportsman of the YearCHL Sportsman of the YearThe CHL Sportsman of the Year Award is given out annually to the most sportsmanlike player in the Canadian Hockey League.-Winners:*2010–11 Philip-Michael Devos, Gatineau Olympiques*2009–10 Jason Bast, Moose Jaw Warriors... - 2007–08 – Bob BoughnerBob BoughnerRobert Boughner , nicknamed The Boogieman, is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman and was an assistant coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2010/11 season...
Matt Leyden TrophyMatt Leyden TrophyThe Matt Leyden Trophy is awarded annually to the Ontario Hockey League Coach of the Year as selected by OHL coaches and general managers. Teams were not permitted to vote for a coach from their own hockey club...
OHL Coach of the Year - 2007–08 – Bob BoughnerBob BoughnerRobert Boughner , nicknamed The Boogieman, is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman and was an assistant coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2010/11 season...
CHL Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year AwardBrian Kilrea Coach of the Year AwardThe Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award is given out annually to the coach of the year in the Canadian Hockey League . Originally called the CHL Coach of the Year Award, the trophy was renamed in 2003 to honour Brian Kilrea when he won his 1,000th game as the coach of the Ottawa 67's... - 2007–08 – Taylor HallTaylor Hall (ice hockey b. 1991)Taylor Strba Hall is a Canadian ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hall has had a highly successful junior career, helping the Windsor Spitfires to two consecutive Memorial Cup...
Emms Family AwardEmms Family AwardThe Emms Family Award is presented annually to the top first year player in the Ontario Hockey League.The award was donated to the OHL by Leighton "Hap" Emms, former owner of franchises in Barrie, Niagara Falls and St...
OHL Rookie of the Year - 2007–08 – Taylor HallTaylor Hall (ice hockey b. 1991)Taylor Strba Hall is a Canadian ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hall has had a highly successful junior career, helping the Windsor Spitfires to two consecutive Memorial Cup...
CHL Rookie of the YearCHL Rookie of the YearThe CHL Rookie of the Year Award is given out annually to the top rookie in the Canadian Hockey League.-Winners:*2010–11 Nail Yakupov, Sarnia Sting*2009–10 Matt Puempel, Peterborough Petes*2008–09 Brett Connolly, Prince George Cougars... - 2007–08 – Ryan EllisRyan EllisRyan Ellis is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League....
Bobby Smith TrophyBobby Smith TrophyThe Bobby Smith Trophy is awarded annually to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence....
OHL Scholastic Player of the Year - 2008–09 – Bob BoughnerBob BoughnerRobert Boughner , nicknamed The Boogieman, is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman and was an assistant coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2010/11 season...
Matt Leyden TrophyMatt Leyden TrophyThe Matt Leyden Trophy is awarded annually to the Ontario Hockey League Coach of the Year as selected by OHL coaches and general managers. Teams were not permitted to vote for a coach from their own hockey club...
OHL Coach of the Year - 2008–09 – Bob BoughnerBob BoughnerRobert Boughner , nicknamed The Boogieman, is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman and was an assistant coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2010/11 season...
CHL Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year AwardBrian Kilrea Coach of the Year AwardThe Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award is given out annually to the coach of the year in the Canadian Hockey League . Originally called the CHL Coach of the Year Award, the trophy was renamed in 2003 to honour Brian Kilrea when he won his 1,000th game as the coach of the Ottawa 67's... - 2008–09 – Ryan EllisRyan EllisRyan Ellis is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League....
Max Kaminsky TrophyMax Kaminsky TrophyThe Max Kaminsky Trophy is awarded each year to the most outstanding defenceman in the Ontario Hockey League. Prior to 1969, the same trophy was awarded to the most sportsmanlike player in the league; since then, that player has been awarded the William Hanley Trophy.The award is named in honour of...
OHL Most Outstanding Defenseman - 2008–09 – Warren RychelWarren RychelWarren Stanley Rychel is a Canadian former professional ice hockey Left winger who played eight seasons in the National Hockey League. He is currently part-owner of the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League.-Career:...
OHL Executive of the YearOHL Executive of the YearThe OHL Executive of the Year Award is given annually to the top executive in the Ontario Hockey League.-Winners:*2010–11 Dale DeGray, Owen Sound Attack*2009–10 Rick Gaetz, Guelph Storm*2008–09 Warren Rychel, Windsor Spitfires... - 2008–09 – Taylor HallTaylor Hall (ice hockey b. 1991)Taylor Strba Hall is a Canadian ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hall has had a highly successful junior career, helping the Windsor Spitfires to two consecutive Memorial Cup...
Wayne Gretzky 99 AwardWayne Gretzky 99 AwardThe Wayne Gretzky 99 Award is awarded annually to the Most Valuable Player in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs. It is named for Wayne Gretzky. The trophy should not be confused with the similarly named Wayne Gretzky Trophy, awarded annually to the playoff champion of the OHL's Western Conference...
OHL Playoff Most Valuable Player - 2008–09 – Taylor HallTaylor Hall (ice hockey b. 1991)Taylor Strba Hall is a Canadian ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hall has had a highly successful junior career, helping the Windsor Spitfires to two consecutive Memorial Cup...
Stafford Smythe Memorial TrophyStafford Smythe Memorial TrophyThe Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy is a Canadian Hockey League trophy, awarded to the most valuable player in the annual Memorial Cup Tournament...
Memorial CupMemorial CupThe Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major...
Most Valuable Player - 2008–09 – Ryan EllisRyan EllisRyan Ellis is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League....
, Taylor HallTaylor Hall (ice hockey b. 1991)Taylor Strba Hall is a Canadian ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hall has had a highly successful junior career, helping the Windsor Spitfires to two consecutive Memorial Cup...
2009 Memorial Cup2009 Memorial CupThe 2009 Memorial Cup was a four-team round-robin format ice hockey tournament played during May 2009 in Rimouski, Quebec to determine the junior ice hockey championship of the Canadian Hockey League. The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League announced on April 3, 2008, that the Rimouski Océanic were...
All-Star Team - 2009–10 – Taylor HallTaylor Hall (ice hockey b. 1991)Taylor Strba Hall is a Canadian ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hall has had a highly successful junior career, helping the Windsor Spitfires to two consecutive Memorial Cup...
Eddie Powers Memorial TrophyEddie Powers Memorial TrophyThe Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the top scorer in the Ontario Hockey League. The trophy was donated by the Toronto Marlboro Athletic Club in memory of Edward Powers, and was first awarded to Tod Sloan of St...
Co-OHL Scoring Champion - 2009–10 – Derek Lanoue Roger Neilson Memorial AwardRoger Neilson Memorial AwardThe Roger Neilson Memorial Award is awarded annually to the top academic College/University player in the Ontario Hockey League. The award is named in honour of Hockey Hall of Fame coach Roger Neilson, a former high school teacher and coach of the Peterborough Petes...
OHL Top Academic College/University Player - 2009–10 – Adam HenriqueAdam Henrique-International:-Awards and honours:*Won Gold Medal at Ice hockey at the 2007 Canada Games *Won 2009 Memorial Cup *Wayne Gretzky 99 Award...
Wayne Gretzky 99 AwardWayne Gretzky 99 AwardThe Wayne Gretzky 99 Award is awarded annually to the Most Valuable Player in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs. It is named for Wayne Gretzky. The trophy should not be confused with the similarly named Wayne Gretzky Trophy, awarded annually to the playoff champion of the OHL's Western Conference...
OHL Playoff Most Valuable Player - 2009–10 - Taylor HallTaylor Hall (ice hockey b. 1991)Taylor Strba Hall is a Canadian ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hall has had a highly successful junior career, helping the Windsor Spitfires to two consecutive Memorial Cup...
Stafford Smythe Memorial TrophyStafford Smythe Memorial TrophyThe Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy is a Canadian Hockey League trophy, awarded to the most valuable player in the annual Memorial Cup Tournament...
Memorial CupMemorial CupThe Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major...
Most Valuable Player - 2009–10 - Taylor HallTaylor Hall (ice hockey b. 1991)Taylor Strba Hall is a Canadian ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hall has had a highly successful junior career, helping the Windsor Spitfires to two consecutive Memorial Cup...
Ed Chynoweth TrophyEd Chynoweth TrophyThe Ed Chynoweth Trophy is awarded to the leading scorer at the Memorial Cup tournament. It was first awarded in 1996. In the case of a tie in points, the award is given to the player with the fewest games played. If they have played the same number of games, the award goes to the player with the...
Memorial CupMemorial CupThe Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major...
Leading Scorer - 2009–10 – Cam FowlerCam FowlerCam Fowler is a Canadian-American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . He was selected twelfth overall by the Ducks in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft...
, Taylor HallTaylor Hall (ice hockey b. 1991)Taylor Strba Hall is a Canadian ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hall has had a highly successful junior career, helping the Windsor Spitfires to two consecutive Memorial Cup...
2010 Memorial Cup2010 Memorial CupThe 2010 Memorial Cup was a 4-team round-robin format tournament played during May 14–23, 2010 in Brandon, Manitoba. It determined the 92nd major junior champions of the Canadian Hockey League . The Western Hockey League announced on October 15, 2008, that the Brandon Wheat Kings were chosen to...
All-Star Team - 2010–11 – Derek Lanoue Roger Neilson Memorial AwardRoger Neilson Memorial AwardThe Roger Neilson Memorial Award is awarded annually to the top academic College/University player in the Ontario Hockey League. The award is named in honour of Hockey Hall of Fame coach Roger Neilson, a former high school teacher and coach of the Peterborough Petes...
OHL Top Academic College/University Player - 2010–11 – Ryan EllisRyan EllisRyan Ellis is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League....
Max Kaminsky TrophyMax Kaminsky TrophyThe Max Kaminsky Trophy is awarded each year to the most outstanding defenceman in the Ontario Hockey League. Prior to 1969, the same trophy was awarded to the most sportsmanlike player in the league; since then, that player has been awarded the William Hanley Trophy.The award is named in honour of...
OHL Most Outstanding Defenseman - 2010–11 – Ryan EllisRyan EllisRyan Ellis is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League....
Red Tilson TrophyRed Tilson TrophyThe Red Tilson Trophy is an annual award given to the most outstanding player in the Ontario Hockey League. The award is voted on by OHL writers and broadcasters, and is named for Red Tilson, a former played for the Oshawa Generals who was killed in service in the Second World War...
OHL Most Outstanding Player (MVP) - 2010–11 – Ryan EllisRyan EllisRyan Ellis is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League....
Mickey Renaud Captain's TrophyMickey Renaud Captain's TrophyThe Mickey Renaud Captain's Trophy is an award in the Ontario Hockey League which is given to one team captain every year. The award was announced on February 4, 2009 at the 2009 OHL All-Star Classic hosted at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario...
Captain of the Year
NHL alumni
- SOJHL Spitfires 1971–1975
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- Modern Spitfires 1975–present
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Current roster
Updated January 10, 2011| Goaltenders | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | |Player | Catches | Acquired | NHL rights | Place of birth | |
| 1 |  United States |
Jack Campbell Jack Campbell Jack Campbell may refer to:* Jack Campbell , pseudonym for American science fiction author John G. Hemry* Jack M. Campbell , American politician* Jackie Campbell, Scottish footballer for Partick Thistle... |
L | 2009 OHL Draft | DAL Dallas Stars The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team was founded during the 1967 NHL expansion as the Minnesota North Stars, based in Bloomington, Minnesota. The... 2010 2010 NHL Entry Draft The 2010 NHL Entry Draft was the 48th NHL Entry Draft, held on June 25–26, 2010 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, home arena of the Los Angeles Kings. This was the first time Los Angeles hosted the NHL Entry Draft. An unofficial record of 11 American-trained players were selected in... |
Port Huron, Michigan Port Huron, Michigan Port Huron is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of St. Clair County. The population was 30,184 at the 2010 census. The city is adjacent to Port Huron Township but is administratively autonomous. It is joined by the Blue Water Bridge over the St. Clair River to Sarnia,... |
| 31 | United States |
John Cullen | L | Trade SAR '10 | Free Agent | Hamburg, New York Hamburg, New York Hamburg, New York may refer to the following locationsIn Erie County, New York:*Hamburg , New York*Hamburg , New York In Greene County, New York*Hamburg , New York... |
| Defencemen | ||||||
| Number | |Player | Shoots | Acquired | NHL rights | Place of birth | |
| 6 |  Canada |
Ryan Ellis Ryan Ellis Ryan Ellis is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League.... |
R | 2007 OHL Draft | NSH Nashville Predators The Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... 2009 2009 NHL Entry Draft The 2009 NHL Entry Draft was the 47th Entry Draft. It was held on June 26–27, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The Draft was part of the Montreal Canadiens centennial celebrations. National Hockey League teams took turns selecting amateur ice hockey players from junior, collegiate, or... |
Freelton, Ontario |
| 7 | Canada |
Michael MacIntyre | L | Trade SSM '10 | Free Agent | Belle River, ON |
| 8 | United States |
Craig Duininck | R | 2009 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2011 | St. Cloud, Minnesota St. Cloud, Minnesota St. Cloud is a city in the U.S. state of Minnesota and the largest population center in the state's central region. The population was 65,842 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Stearns County... |
| 20 | Canada |
Adrian Robertson | L | Trade PTB '10 | Free Agent | Mississauga, Ontario Mississauga, Ontario Mississauga is a city in Southern Ontario located in the Regional Municipality of Peel, and in the western part of the Greater Toronto Area. With an estimated population of 734,000, it is Canada's sixth-most populous municipality, and has almost doubled in population in each of the last two decades... |
| 22 | United States |
Nick Ebert Nick Ebert Nick Ebert is an American ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League. Ebert is considered to be a top prospect who has the potential to be a top five pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.... |
R | Trade MISS 2010 | Eligible in 2012 | Livingston, NJ |
| 27 | United States |
Saverio Posa | L | 2008 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2011 | Grand Blanc, Michigan Grand Blanc, Michigan Grand Blanc is a city in Genesee County in the U.S. state of Michigan and a suburb of Flint. The population was 8,242 at the 2000 census. The city is situated within Grand Blanc Charter Township, but is politically independent... |
| 28 | United States |
Bryan Deeley (AP) | R | 2010 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2012 | Pittsford, New York Pittsford (town), New York Pittsford is a town in Monroe County, New York, United States and is an affluent suburb of Rochester. The population was 29,405 at the 2010 census.... |
| 57 | United States |
Grant Webermin | L | 2010 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2012 | Novi, Michigan Novi, Michigan Novi is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the population was 55,224, an increase over the 2000 census count of 47,386. The city is located approximately northwest of the center of Detroit, and northeast of the center of Ann Arbor. The city is located... |
| Forwards | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | |Player | Shoots | Position | Acquired | NHL rights | Place of birth | |
| 2 | Canada |
Mitch Dunning | R | RW | Trade | ELigible in 2011 | Tecumseh, Ontario Tecumseh, Ontario Tecumseh is a town on Lake St. Clair east of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It has a population of just over 24,000.Tecumseh enjoys long summers and mild winters... |
| 3 | United States |
Stephen Alonge | R | LW | Tryout | Eligible in 2011 | Lynbrook, New York Lynbrook, New York Lynbrook is a village in Nassau County, New York, USA. The population was 19,427 at the 2010 census. The Village of Lynbrook is inside the Town of Hempstead. The Village of Lynbrook's current mayor is William Hendrick.... |
| 10 | Canada |
Stephen Johnston (OA) | L | C | Trade BELV 2010 | Free Agent | Guelph, ON |
| 14 |  Germany |
Tom Kühnhackl Tom Kühnhackl Tom Kühnhackl is a German ice hockey right winger who currently plays for the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League. He has also played professionally for the Augsburger Panther of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, the highest German hockey league... |
L | RW | 2009 Import | PIT Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... 2010 2010 NHL Entry Draft The 2010 NHL Entry Draft was the 48th NHL Entry Draft, held on June 25–26, 2010 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, home arena of the Los Angeles Kings. This was the first time Los Angeles hosted the NHL Entry Draft. An unofficial record of 11 American-trained players were selected in... |
Landshut Landshut Landshut is a city in Bavaria in the south-east of Germany, belonging to both Eastern and Southern Bavaria. Situated on the banks of the River Isar, Landshut is the capital of Lower Bavaria, one of the seven administrative regions of the Free State of Bavaria. It is also the seat of the... , Germany Germany Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate... |
| 16 | Canada |
Kerby Rychel | L | LW | Trade MISS 2010 | Eligible in 2013 | Tecumseh, Ontario Tecumseh, Ontario Tecumseh is a town on Lake St. Clair east of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It has a population of just over 24,000.Tecumseh enjoys long summers and mild winters... |
| 17 | Canada |
Michael Clarke (AP) | L | C | 2010 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2012 | London, Ontario London, Ontario London is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city... |
| 19 | Canada |
Zack Kassian Zack Kassian Zack Kassian is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He currently plays for the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League . He was chosen 13th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Zack is of Armenian ancestry.-Playing career:Kassian made his debut with the... |
R | RW | Trade PTB 2010 | BUF 2009 2009 NHL Entry Draft The 2009 NHL Entry Draft was the 47th Entry Draft. It was held on June 26–27, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The Draft was part of the Montreal Canadiens centennial celebrations. National Hockey League teams took turns selecting amateur ice hockey players from junior, collegiate, or... |
LaSalle, Ontario LaSalle, Ontario LaSalle is a town in Essex County, Ontario, Canada, on the Detroit River. It is a bedroom community of the City of Windsor and part of the Windsor Census Metropolitan Area, and is located south of that city. LaSalle, along with Windsor, is the oldest French settlement area in Southwestern Ontario,... |
| 21 | Canada |
Zack MacQueen | R | C | Trade SAR 2010 | Free Agent | Sarnia, Ontario Sarnia, Ontario Sarnia is a city in Southern Ontario, Canada . It is the largest city on Lake Huron and is located where the upper Great Lakes empty into the St. Clair River.... |
| 26 | United States |
Kenny Ryan Kenny Ryan Kenny Ryan is a American ice hockey right winger who currently plays for the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. He has also played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program prior to joining the Spitfires... |
R | RW | 2007 OHL Draft | TOR Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... 2009 2009 NHL Entry Draft The 2009 NHL Entry Draft was the 47th Entry Draft. It was held on June 26–27, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The Draft was part of the Montreal Canadiens centennial celebrations. National Hockey League teams took turns selecting amateur ice hockey players from junior, collegiate, or... |
Farmington Hills, Michigan Farmington Hills, Michigan Farmington Hills is a community in southeastern Michigan. It is the largest city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. Its population was 79,740 at the 2010 census... |
| 29 | Canada |
Derek Lanoue | R | RW | 2007 OHL Draft | Free Agent | Belle River, Ontario |
| 61 | Canada |
Anthony Cortellessa (AP) | L | LW | 2010 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2012 | Toronto, Ontario |
| 71 | Canada |
Jake Carrick (OA) | R | RW | Trade SSM 2010 | Free Agent | Stouffville, ON |
| 77 | Canada |
Taylor Carnevale | R | C | Trade BAR 2010 | Free Agent | Mississauga, ON |
| 88 | United States |
Nick Czinder | R | RW | Trade KGN 2010 | Free Agent | West Bloomfield, Michigan |
| 89 |  Russia |
Alexander Khokhlachev | L | C | 2010 Import | BOS Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... 2011 2011 NHL Entry Draft The 2011 NHL Entry Draft was the 49th NHL Entry Draft. It was held on June 24–25, 2011, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was the first time the Draft was held in the state of Minnesota since the Minnesota North Stars hosted the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.The top three picks consisted... |
Moscow, Russia |
| 91 | Canada |
Jeff Brown (OA) | R | RW | Trade OSH 2010 | Free Agent | Toronto, ON |
| 97 | United States |
Brady Vail | L | LW | 2010 OHL Draft | Eligible 2012 | Northville, Michigan Northville, Michigan Northville is a city located in and divided by Oakland and Wayne counties in the U.S. state of Michigan and a suburb in Metro Detroit. The population was 5,970 at the 2010 census. The Oakland County portion is surrounded by the city of Novi. The Wayne County portion is surrounded by Northville... |
Note: (OA) = Over Age player, (AP) = Alternate Player
Team records
| Team records for a single season | ||
| Statistic | Total | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Most points | 115 | 2008–09 2008–09 OHL season The 2008–09 OHL season was the 29th season of the Ontario Hockey League . Twenty teams played 68 games each during the regular season schedule, which started on September 17, 2008 and concluded on March 15, 2009.... |
| Most wins | 57 | 2008–09 |
| Most goals for | 396 | 1987–88 |
| Least goals for | 201 | 2003–04 |
| Least goals against | 171 | 2008–09 |
| Most goals against | 470 | 1975–76 |
| Least losses/OTL/SL | 11 | 2008–09 |
| Individual player records for a single season | |||
| Statistic | Player | Total | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most goals | Ernie Godden Ernie Godden Ernie Alfred Godden is a retired professional ice hockey centre who played five games for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL He was chosen 55th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1981 after scoring 87 goals as a junior in the OHL and making the league's first all-star team... |
87 | 1980–81 |
| Most assists | Bill Bowler Bill Bowler Bill Bowler is a former professional ice hockey centre. He played nine games in the National Hockey League with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2000–01 season, recording two assists... |
102 | 1994–95 1994–95 OHL season The 1994–95 OHL season was the 15th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Sixteen teams each played 66 games. The Detroit Junior Red Wings won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Guelph Storm... |
| Most points | Ernie Godden | 153 | 1980–81 |
| Most points, rookie | Cory Stillman Cory Stillman Cory Stillman is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player.- Playing career :Stillman grew up in Peterborough, Ontario playing hockey for the Minor Petes program. He also played competitive baseball. In 1989–90, Stillman played for the Peterborough Roadrunners Jr.B... |
101 | 1990–91 |
| Most goals, rookie | Taylor Hall Taylor Hall (ice hockey b. 1991) Taylor Strba Hall is a Canadian ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hall has had a highly successful junior career, helping the Windsor Spitfires to two consecutive Memorial Cup... |
45 | 2007–08 2007–08 OHL season The 2007–08 OHL season was the 28th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams played 68 games each during the schedule, that started on September 19, 2007, and concluded on March 16, 2008.... |
| Most points, defenceman | Joel Quenneville Joel Quenneville Joel Norman Quenneville is the head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks professional ice hockey team. He is a former ice hockey defenseman and former head coach of the Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues... |
103 | 1977–78 |
| Most wins, goalie | Andrew Engelage Andrew Engelage Andrew Engelage is an ice hockey player for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League. Engelage had previously played professional hockey for the Utah Grizzlies and Reading Royals of the ECHL. Prior to turning pro, Engelage played for the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League... |
46 | 2008–09 |
| Best GAA, goalie | Andrew Engelage | 2.35 | 2008–09 |
| Goalies = minimum 1500 minutes played | |||
Regular season
- (1975–84, 1989–present) Windsor Spitfires
- (1984–89) Windsor Compuware Spitfires
Legend: OTL = Overtime loss, SL = Shootout loss
| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... |
Games | Won | Lost | Tied | OTL | SL | Points | Pct % | Goals for |
Goals against |
Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971–72 | 56 | 21 | 32 | 3 | |||||||
| 45 | 0.402 | 220 | 266 | 5th SOJAHL | |||||||
| 1972–73 | 60 | 30 | 21 | 9 | |||||||
| 69 | 0.575 | 286 | 273 | 3rd SOJAHL | |||||||
| 1973–74 | 62 | 39 | 15 | 8 | |||||||
| 86 | 0.694 | 379 | 242 | 1st SOJAHL | |||||||
| 1974–75 | 60 | 40 | 15 | 5 | |||||||
| 85 | 0.708 | 320 | 207 | 1st SOJAHL | |||||||
| 1975–76 | 66 | 12 | 50 | 4 | - | ||||||
| 28 | 0.212 | 251 | 470 | 6th Emms | |||||||
| 1976–77 | 66 | 21 | 37 | 8 | - | ||||||
| 50 | 0.379 | 294 | 386 | 5th Emms | |||||||
| 1977–78 | 68 | 36 | 24 | 8 | - | ||||||
| 80 | 0.588 | 338 | 289 | 2nd Emms | |||||||
| 1978–79 | 68 | 32 | 35 | 1 | - | ||||||
| 65 | 0.478 | 323 | 322 | 3rd Emms | |||||||
| 1979–80 | 68 | 36 | 31 | 1 | - | ||||||
| 73 | 0.537 | 323 | 344 | 1st Emms | |||||||
| 1980–81 | 68 | 33 | 33 | 2 | - | ||||||
| 68 | 0.500 | 322 | 337 | 2nd Emms | |||||||
| 1981–82 | 68 | 22 | 42 | 4 | - | ||||||
| 48 | 0.353 | 269 | 343 | 6th Emms | |||||||
| 1982–83 | 70 | 19 | 50 | 1 | - | ||||||
| 39 | 0.279 | 289 | 394 | 6th Emms | |||||||
| 1983–84 | 70 | 22 | 46 | 2 | - | ||||||
| 46 | 0.329 | 280 | 379 | 6th Emms | |||||||
| 1984–85 1984–85 OHL season The 1984–85 OHL season was the 5th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Fifteen teams each played 66 games. The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Peterborough Petes. The Greyhounds also set an OHL record that still stands, going 33–0 at home in the regular... |
66 | 28 | 35 | 3 | - | ||||||
| 59 | 0.447 | 267 | 301 | 5th Emms | |||||||
| 1985–86 1985–86 OHL season The 1985–86 OHL season was the 6th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Fifteen teams each played 66 games. The Guelph Platers won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Belleville Bulls.-Final standings:-Scoring leaders:-Division Quarterfinals:... |
66 | 34 | 26 | 6 | - | ||||||
| 74 | 0.561 | 280 | 259 | 3rd Emms | |||||||
| 1986–87 1986–87 OHL season The 1986–87 OHL season was the 7th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Fifteen teams each played 66 games. The Oshawa Generals won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the North Bay Centennials.-Final standings:-Scoring leaders:... |
66 | 36 | 25 | 5 | - | ||||||
| 77 | 0.583 | 287 | 249 | 3rd Emms | |||||||
| 1987–88 | 66 | 50 | 14 | 2 | - | ||||||
| 102 | 0.773 | 396 | 215 | 1st Emms | |||||||
| 1988–89 | 66 | 25 | 37 | 4 | - | ||||||
| 54 | 0.409 | 272 | 321 | 5th Emms | |||||||
| 1989–90 | 66 | 17 | 41 | 8 | - | ||||||
| 42 | 0.318 | 233 | 341 | 8th Emms | |||||||
| 1990–91 | 66 | 33 | 29 | 4 | - | ||||||
| 70 | 0.530 | 307 | 279 | 4th Emms | |||||||
| 1991–92 | 66 | 25 | 33 | 8 | - | ||||||
| 58 | 0.439 | 272 | 316 | 5th Emms | |||||||
| 1992–93 | 66 | 19 | 42 | 5 | - | ||||||
| 43 | 0.326 | 240 | 343 | 8th Emms | |||||||
| 1993–94 1993–94 OHL season The 1993–94 OHL season was the 14th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Sixteen teams each played 66 games. The North Bay Centennials won the J... |
66 | 25 | 36 | 5 | - | ||||||
| 55 | 0.417 | 253 | 298 | 7th Emms | |||||||
| 1994–95 1994–95 OHL season The 1994–95 OHL season was the 15th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Sixteen teams each played 66 games. The Detroit Junior Red Wings won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Guelph Storm... |
66 | 41 | 22 | 3 | - | ||||||
| 85 | 0.644 | 303 | 232 | 2nd Western | |||||||
| 1995–96 1995–96 OHL season The 1995–96 OHL season was the 16th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Seventeen teams each played 66 games. The Peterborough Petes won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Guelph Storm. The Detroit Junior Red Wings become the Detroit Whalers.-Notes:... |
66 | 21 | 41 | 4 | - | ||||||
| 46 | 0.348 | 256 | 312 | 4th Western | |||||||
| 1996–97 1996–97 OHL season The 1996–97 OHL season was the 17th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Seventeen teams each played 66 games. The Oshawa Generals won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Ottawa 67's... |
66 | 29 | 29 | 8 | - | ||||||
| 66 | 0.500 | 303 | 285 | 3rd Western | |||||||
| 1997–98 1997–98 OHL season The 1997–98 OHL season was the 18th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Eighteen teams each played 66 games. The Guelph Storm won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Ottawa 67's. The Toronto St. Michael's Majors name is re-activated when they are awarded a franchise, they would play in the... |
66 | 19 | 42 | 5 | - | ||||||
| 43 | 0.326 | 261 | 340 | 6th Western | |||||||
| 1998–99 1998–99 OHL season The 1998–99 OHL season was the 19th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams each played 68 games. The Belleville Bulls won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the London Knights.... |
68 | 23 | 39 | 6 | - | ||||||
| 52 | 0.382 | 203 | 294 | 5th West | |||||||
| 1999–2000 1999–2000 OHL season The 1999–2000 OHL season was the 20th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams each played 68 games. The Barrie Colts won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Plymouth Whalers.-Eastern Conference:-Western Conference:-Scoring leaders:... |
68 | 35 | 30 | 2 | 1 | ||||||
| 73 | 0.529 | 213 | 231 | 4th West | |||||||
| 2000–01 | 68 | 34 | 22 | 8 | 4 | ||||||
| 80 | 0.559 | 257 | 221 | 2nd West | |||||||
| 2001–02 | 68 | 33 | 24 | 6 | 5 | ||||||
| 77 | 0.529 | 253 | 229 | 3rd West | |||||||
| 2002–03 | 68 | 37 | 25 | 5 | 1 | ||||||
| 80 | 0.581 | 259 | 221 | 3rd West | |||||||
| 2003–04 | 68 | 27 | 30 | 3 | 8 | ||||||
| 65 | 0.419 | 201 | 219 | 3rd West | |||||||
| 2004–05 | 68 | 26 | 29 | 6 | 7 | ||||||
| 65 | 0.426 | 223 | 253 | 3rd West | |||||||
| 2005–06 | 68 | 32 | 29 | ||||||||
| 3 | 4 | 71 | 0.522 | 247 | 253 | 3rd West | |||||
| 2006–07 | 68 | 18 | 43 | ||||||||
| 2 | 5 | 43 | 0.316 | 209 | 311 | 5th West | |||||
| 2007–08 2007–08 OHL season The 2007–08 OHL season was the 28th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams played 68 games each during the schedule, that started on September 19, 2007, and concluded on March 16, 2008.... |
68 | 41 | 15 | ||||||||
| 7 | 5 | 94 | 0.691 | 279 | 205 | 2nd West | |||||
| 2008–09 2008–09 OHL season The 2008–09 OHL season was the 29th season of the Ontario Hockey League . Twenty teams played 68 games each during the regular season schedule, which started on September 17, 2008 and concluded on March 15, 2009.... |
68 | 57 | 10 | ||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 115 | 0.846 | 311 | 171 | 1st West | |||||
| 2009–10 2009–10 OHL season The 2009–10 OHL season was the 30th season of the Ontario Hockey League . Twenty teams played 68 games each during the regular season schedule, which started on September 17, 2009 and ended on March 14, 2010.... |
68 | 50 | 12 | ||||||||
| 1 | 5 | 106 | 0.779 | 331 | 203 | 1st West | |||||
| 2010–11 2010–11 OHL season The 2010–11 OHL season is the 31st season of the Ontario Hockey League . Twenty teams played 68 games each during the regular season schedule, which started on September 23, 2010 and ended on March 20, 2011.... |
68 | 39 | 23 | ||||||||
| 3 | 3 | 84 | 0.618 | 280 | 247 | 2nd West |
Playoffs
- 1971–72 Out of playoffs.
- 1972–73 Defeated Niagara Falls FlyersNiagara Falls Flyers (SOJHL)The Niagara Falls Flyers were a Tier II Junior "A" ice hockey team and member of the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League. The team played home games at the Niagara Falls Memorial Arena in Niagara Falls, Ontario.-History:...
4 games to 3 in quarter-final.
Lost to Guelph CMC'sGuelph CMC'sThe Guelph CMC's or sometimes known as the Guelph CMC's Biltmore Mad Hatters were a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey Association as a Junior 'B' team in the Central League from 1956 to 1970, and merged with the Western A League's Guelph Beef Kings to become a Junior 'A' team from 1970...
4 games to 0 in semi-final. - 1973–74 Defeated Detroit Jr. Red WingsDetroit Jr. Red WingsThis article is about the Junior Red Wings team in the Ontario Hockey League. For the team in the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League from the 1970s, see Detroit Jr. Red Wings .----...
4 games to 0 in semi-final.
Defeated Chatham MaroonsChatham Maroons----The Chatham Maroons are a Canadian junior ice hockey team based in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. They play in the Western division of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.-History:...
4 games to 1 in final. SOJHL CHAMPIONS
Lost to Wexford Raiders 4 games to 3 in Eastern Centennial Cup quarter-final. - 1974–75 Defeated Detroit Jr. Red WingsDetroit Jr. Red Wings (SOJHL)The Detroit Jr. Red Wings are a defunct Tier II Junior "A" ice hockey team that was based out of Detroit, Michigan. They played out of the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League and were the feeder team for the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings....
4 games to 1 in semi-final.
Lost to Guelph CMC'sGuelph CMC'sThe Guelph CMC's or sometimes known as the Guelph CMC's Biltmore Mad Hatters were a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey Association as a Junior 'B' team in the Central League from 1956 to 1970, and merged with the Western A League's Guelph Beef Kings to become a Junior 'A' team from 1970...
4 games to 3 with 1 tie in final. - 1975–76 Out of playoffs.
- 1976–77 Defeated Kitchener Rangers 3 games to 0 in first round.
Lost to St. Catharines Fincups 4 games to 2 in quarter-finals. - 1977–78 Lost to Hamilton Fincups 9 points to 3 in quarter-finals.
- 1978–79 Lost to London Knights in a 9 games series in quarter-finals. Series protested and both teams moved on.
Eliminated in semi-final round-robin vs. Niagara Falls Flyers and London Knights. - 1979–80 Defeated Niagara Falls Flyers 4 games to 1 in quarter-finals.
Defeated Brantford Alexanders 4 games to 3 in semi-finals.
Lost to Peterborough Petes 4 games to 0 in finals. - 1980–81 Defeated Brantford Alexanders 8 points to 4 in division semi-finals.
Lost to Kitchener Rangers 9 points to 1 in division finals. - 1981–82 Defeated Niagara Falls Flyers 6 points to 4 in first round.
Lost to Kitchener Rangers 8 poins to 0 in quarter-finals. - 1982–83 Lost to North Bay Centennials 6 points to 0 in first round.
- 1983–84 Lost to S.S. Marie Greyhounds 6 points to 0 in first round.
- 1984–85 Lost to London Knights 8 poins to 0 in first round.
- 1985–86 Defeated Kitchener Rangers 8 points to 2 in first round.
Finished quarter-final round robin vs Guelph Platers and North Bay Centennials in second place (4 points).
Lost to Guelph Platers 8 points to 4 in semi-finals. - 1986–87 Defeated S.S. Marie Greyhounds 4 games to 0 in first round.
Defeated Hamilton Steelhawks 4 games to 0 in quarter-finals.
Lost to North Bay Centennials 4 games to 2 in semi-finals. - 1987–88 Defeated Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 0 in first round.
Earned bye through quarter-finals. 1st place in Emms division.
Defeated Hamilton Steelhawks 4 games to 0 in semi-finals.
Defeated Peterborough Petes 4 games to 0 in finals. OHL CHAMPIONS
Finished Memorial Cup round-robin in first place, earned berth in finals.
Lost to Medicine Hat Tigers 7–6 in championship game. - 1988–89 Lost to Niagara Falls Thunder 4 games to 0 in first round.
- 1989–90 Out of playoffs.
- 1990–91 Defeated London Knights 4 games to 3 in first round.
Lost to Niagara Falls Thunder 4 games to 0 in quarter-finals. - 1991–92 Lost to Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 3 in first round.
- 1992–93 Out of playoffs.
- 1993–94 Lost to S.S. Marie Greyhounds 4 games to 0 in division quarter-finals.
- 1994–95 Defeated Sarnia Sting 4 games to 0 in division quarter-finals.
Lost to Sudbury Wolves 4 games to 2 in quarter-finals. - 1995–96 Lost to Detroit Whalers 4 games to 3 in division quarter-finals.
- 1996–97 Lost to Sarnia Sting 4 games to 1 in division quarter-finals.
- 1997–98 Out of playoffs.
- 1998–99 Defeated Kitchener Rangers 2–1 in 8th place tiebreaker.
Lost to Plymouth Whalers 4 games to 0 in conference quarter-finals. - 1999–2000 Defeated Sarnia Sting 4 games to 3 in conference quarter-finals.
Lost to Plymouth Whalers 4 games to 1 in conference semi-finals. - 2000–01 Defeated Owen Sound Attack 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
Lost to Plymouth Whalers 4 games to 0 in conference semi-finals. - 2001–02 Defeated S.S. Marie Greyhounds 4 games to 2 in conference quarter-finals.
Defeated Guelph Storm 4 games to 1 in conference semi-finals.
Lost to Erie Otters 4 games to 1 in conference finals. - 2002–03 Lost to London Knights 4 games to 3 in conference quarter-finals.
- 2003–04 Lost to London Knights 4 games to 0 in conference quarter-finals.
- 2004–05 Defeated S.S. Marie Greyhounds 4 games to 3 in conference quarter-finals.
Lost to London Knights 4 games to 0 in conference semi-finals. - 2005–06 Lost to Plymouth Whalers 4 games to 3 in conference quarter-finals.
- 2006–07 Out of playoffs.
- 2007–08 Lost to Sarnia Sting 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
- 2008–09 Defeated Owen Sound Attack 4 games to 0 in conference quarter-finals.
Defeated Plymouth Whalers 4 games to 2 in conference semi-finals.
Defeated London Knights 4 games to 1 in conference finals.
Defeated Brampton Battalion 4 games to 1 in finals. OHL CHAMPIONS
Finished Memorial Cup round-robin in fourth place
Defeated Rimouski Océanic 6–4 in tiebreaker.
Defeated Drummondville Voltigeurs 3–2 (OT) in semifinal.
Defeated the Kelowna RocketsKelowna RocketsThe Kelowna Rockets are a major junior ice hockey team based in Kelowna, British Columbia. The Rockets play in the Western Hockey League , out of the Canadian Hockey League . They play their home games at Prospera Place....
4-1 in the Memorial CupMemorial CupThe Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major...
final. MEMORIAL CUP CHAMPIONS - 2009–10 Defeated Erie Otters 4 games to 0 in conference quarter-finals.
Defeated Plymouth Whalers 4 games to 0 in conference semi-finals.
Defeated Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 3 in conference finals.
Defeated Barrie Colts 4 games to 0 in finals. OHL CHAMPIONS
Finished Memorial Cup round-robin in first place.
Defeated Brandon Wheat Kings 9-1 in the Memorial CupMemorial CupThe Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major...
final. MEMORIAL CUP CHAMPIONS - 2010–11 Defeated Erie Otters 4 games to 3 in conference quarter-finals.
Defeated Saginaw Spirit 4 games to 2 in conference semi-finals.
Lost to Owen Sound Attack 4 games to 1 in conference finals.
Uniforms and logos
The new logo features an aggressive, stylized WWII Spitfire aircraft set against clouds on a red, white and blue shield with the word "Spitfires" emblazoned prominently in the forefront. The logo preserves the team's primary colours of red and blue, but uses richer, more vibrant hues and adds silver and yellow as secondary colours.The Spitfires worked with the Ontario Hockey League and Reebok - official supplier of uniforms to the OHL - in finalizing the new uniform. The new jerseys sport shoulder patches featuring the vintage Spitfire plane encircled by a gold laurel wreath and containing the number 18 to commemorate former Spitfires captain Mickey Renaud. Both the primary logo and shoulder patch designs were collaborations by Marcello Fontana and Shane Potvin, both senior art directors at Hargreaves Stewart.
The Windsor Spitfires use white jerseys on the road until Christmas and at home in the new year and the red jerseys at home until Christmas and on the road in the new year. The Spitfires briefly used a third jersey featuring a white, red and green colour scheme and an alternate logo featuring an airplane flying in front of the Ambassador Bridge
Ambassador Bridge
The Ambassador Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects Detroit, Michigan, in the United States, with Windsor, Ontario, in Canada. It is the busiest international border crossing in North America in terms of trade volume: more than 25 percent of all merchandise trade between the United States...
. When the team was also known as the Compuware Spitfires the team's colours were brown and orange, with a logo featuring a Spitfire airplane. The original Spitfires logo featured a maple leaf.
.png) |  |  |  |  | |
| Original Spitfires logo (1975–1984) | SOJHL Spitfires logo (1971–1975) | Compuware Spitfires logo (1984–1989) | Third logo | Spitfires logo (1989 – December 2008) | Current Spitfires logo (2009 – present) |
|---|
Arena
The Spitfires play home games at the new WFCU CentreWFCU Centre
The WFCU Centre is a sports-entertainment centre in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It opened on December 11, 2008, and it is named after the Windsor Family Credit Union, a local financial institution...
, which was originally announced on October 7, 2006, and was built to be ready for the 2008–09 OHL season. The first game at the new arena was held on December 11, resulting in a 4-0 loss to the Belleville Bulls
Belleville Bulls
The Belleville Bulls are a junior ice hockey team, founded in 1981 based in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. The team plays in the Eastern Division of the Eastern Conference of the Ontario Hockey League.-History:...
.
The Spitfires previously played at Windsor Arena
Windsor Arena
Windsor Arena is an indoor arena located in Windsor, Ontario. Its capacity is approximately 4,400 with standing room. The arena's ice is an asymmetrical by or...
, built in 1924 in downtown Windsor, Ontario
Windsor, Ontario
Windsor is the southernmost city in Canada and is located in Southwestern Ontario at the western end of the heavily populated Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. It is within Essex County, Ontario, although administratively separated from the county government. Separated by the Detroit River, Windsor...
. The arena was originally known as the "Border Cities Arena" and was once home to the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
of the NHL prior to 1927. The Windsor Arena, nicknamed "The Barn," was the oldest operating facility in the Canadian Hockey League. It hosted the OHL All-Star game in 1978, and the Memorial Cup
Memorial Cup
The Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major...
in 1981. On December 4, 2008, the Windsor Spitfires played their last game at "The Barn" against the Guelph Storm
Guelph Storm
The Guelph Storm is a major junior ice hockey team based in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. They have played in the OHL since the 1991–92 season. The team plays home games at the Sleeman Centre.-History:...
, winning 2-1. In the 12 games the Spitfires played at The Barn for the 2008-09 season, the Spitfires were perfect with 12 wins and no losses. Their first home loss of the season took place in their first game at the WFCU Centre.