Windsor Spitfires’ Frward Alex Pharand Commits to Clarkson University

Following the NCAA Division I Council’s landmark decision in November 2024 to make Canadian Hockey League players eligible for NCAA Division I hockey programs, Windsor Spitfires forward Alex Pharand is joining a growing list of former Spitfires pursuing NCAA opportunities.

The 21-year-old forward from Sudbury announced his commitment to the Clarkson Golden Knights men’s ice hockey program via Instagram on Sunday afternoon for the 2026-27 season.

Pharand completed an impressive OHL career, appearing in 323 regular season games while recording 74 goals and 110 assists for 184 points. In postseason play, he appeared in 30 playoff games, collecting three goals and five assists.

Originally drafted by the Hamilton Bulldogs, Pharand spent part of his rookie season in Hamilton before being traded to his hometown Sudbury Wolves. He went on to spend four seasons with the Wolves before being acquired by the Windsor Spitfires at the 2025-26 trade deadline.

Pharand was also selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Clarkson University, located in Potsdam, is home to the Golden Knights men’s hockey program, an NCAA Division I team that competes in the ECAC conference. The program has produced several notable NHL figures, including current Calgary Flames General Manager Craig Conroy and longtime Los Angeles Kings forward Dave Taylor.

The post Spitfires’ Forward Alex Pharand Commits to Clarkson University appeared first on In Play! magazine.

Windsor Spitfires Overage Goalie Joey Costanzo Commits to Michigan Technological University

Following the NCAA Division I Council’s landmark decision in November 2024 to allow Canadian Hockey League players to compete in NCAA Division I hockey, Windsor Spitfires goaltender Joey Costanzo is among the latest players to take advantage of the new opportunity.

The 20-year-old Toronto native announced his commitment to the Michigan Tech Huskies men’s ice hockey program on Instagram Friday morning.

Costanzo leaves the Ontario Hockey League following an outstanding career with the Windsor Spitfires. He appeared in 197 regular season games during his OHL career, including 180 with Windsor, posting a 102-50-11 record with nine shutouts as a Spitfire.

In his overage season, Costanzo recorded career bests with a 2.16 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage, finishing second among all OHL goaltenders in GAA.

During the postseason, Costanzo made 27 career playoff starts, posting a 2.56 GAA and a .903 save percentage.

Costanzo also cemented his place in franchise history by becoming the winningest goaltender in Spitfires history with 102 victories, surpassing Michael DiPietro’s previous mark of 86. He also set the franchise record for most games played by a Spitfires goaltender with 180, eclipsing DiPietro’s previous record of 157. In addition, Costanzo ranks first among Spitfires goaltenders in career time on ice and total saves, while sitting second all-time in shutouts with nine.

The Spitfires acquired Costanzo from the Niagara IceDogs in 2022 in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection and a 12th-round pick in 2026. Originally selected by Niagara in the second round, 23rd overall, of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Costanzo stepped into OHL action the following season, appearing in 17 games and posting a 5-10 record.

Michigan Technological University, located in Houghton, has a storied hockey tradition and has produced several notable NHL alumni, including Tony Esposito, Matt Roy, Randy McKay, and John Scott.

The post Spitfires Overage Goalie Joey Costanzo Leaving OHL appeared first on In Play! magazine.

SPITFIRE SPOTLIGHT with CONOR WALTON

Veteran defenceman Conor Walton has proven himself to be a valuable player for the Windsor Spitfires ever since the Toronto native was acquired in a September, 2023 trade with Sudbury Wolves in exchange for fellow blueliner, Nick DeAngelis and prospect Trevor O’Dell In fact, the deal, which also saw Windsor acquire five draft picks, including a 2026 second rounder, has proven to be something of a steal for the Spits.

The hulking six-foot-five, 210lb. Walton returned for his third season with the Spitfires after attending the training camp of the Winnipeg Jets last fall as a free agent and has been one of the go-to guys on the Spits blueline on the team’s penalty-kill unit both during the 2025-2026 OHL regular season and now into the playoffs.

Walton, who turned 20 on April 22, spoke with In Play’s OHL Editor, John Humphrey, following the Spitfires 6-3 loss to the Kitchener Rangers on April 29 at the WFCU Centre and in an exclusive, revealed his desire to return to the Spitfires for an overage season this fall.

In Play! Magazine: You have been with the Spitfires now for about two and a half seasons and the team is probably playing better than ever. What do you attribute that to?

Conor Walton: “We have a very deep team and a lot of talented guys throughout the lineup. And then we became even better after the trade deadline (January 10) when we made a couple of big trades (picking up forwards Nathan Villeneuve and Alex Pharand from the Sudbury Wolves in exchange for forward JC Lemieux and draft picks and defenceman Jakub Fibigr from the Brampton Steelheads for defenceman Carter Hicks and draft picks). We’re all focused and we’ve all bought into our systems and that’s why we are playing so well.”

In Play! Magazine: Speaking of trades, there was speculation that your twin brother, Kieron (a high scoring forward with Sudbury) was possibly on his way to Windsor in a trade. How would you have liked that?

Conor Walton: “I was very happy and excited about the prospect of my bro coming to Windsor. I was on the phone with him a lot in the days leading up to the deadline. I did mention it to (Spits general manager) Bill Bowler that I was hoping that a deal could be made, but in the end, it was decided that we were going in a different direction. After the two trades that we did make, we really didn’t have enough left in the tank to make a deal to pick up my brother.”

Editor’s note: Kieron Walton was eventually traded to the Peterborough Petes

In Play! Magazine: You are also playing the best of your junior hockey career right now. How are you accomplishing that?

Conor Walton: “Thank you! I love play-off time. I love the intensity of the games and I love the physicality of everything being so intense”

In Play! Magazine: Did the battle with the Flint Firebirds for first place in the West Division during the last month or so of the regular season help prepare the team for the playoffs?

Conor Walton: “Absolutely! We wanted to win the division for the fourth time in the last five seasons for the organization. And playing so many important games down the stretch, especially against Flint, gave our guys, especially the young guys, a taste of the play-offs before the play-offs even started. And everything Came down to the last game of the regular season, it was so exciting.”

In Play! Magazine: For someone who hasn’t seen you play, what’s the strength of your game? What type of player are you?

Conor Walton: “I’m a shut-down d and I like to play with physicality without taking stupid penalties. My brother has the offensive skills in the family, and I didn’t inherit much of that. I’m not out there to score goals. I’m out there to stop the other team from scoring goals.”

In Play! Magazine: But you did score a big goal to give the Spits a come from behind 4-3 in the second game of the Western Conference semi-final against Flint. Talk about that.

Conor Walton: “That was exciting! The rebound came out to me and I jumped on it. That’s the way that I have scored most of the goals (nine) of my junior career. The WFCU Centre erupted when I scored.”

In Play! Magazine: Who have your defence partners been this past season and so far in the playoffs?

Conor Walton: “We rotated a lot during the regular season, and we’ve done some of that during the play-offs. I played during the regular season with (Andrew) Robinson, (Carson) Woodall, (Jonathon) Brown, (Wyatt) Kennedy and a little bit with (Jakub) Fibigr too.

If I’m not out there on the penalty-kill with Kennedy during the playoffs, I’m usually playing with Brownie.”

In Play! Magazine: After tonight’s loss, the Spitfires are now down 3-1 to the Kitchener Rangers in the Western Conference final. What’s the mindset of the team heading into game five in Kitchener on Friday night?

Conor Walton: “We’re not out of this yet. They came back against us last year in the play-offs after being down 3-0, so that showed that it can be done. We’ve been in every game so far and the two games in Kitchener have been one-goal games. We’re taking things one game at a time. We’re not done yet.”

In Play! Magazine: You are eligible to return as an overage player next season. A number of other overage candidates (Cole Davis, Woodall and Fbigir) on the team have already announced their plans on by-passing an OA season and are heading to college in the United States starting this fall. Do you want to come back to the Spitfires next season?

Conor Walton: “I absolutely do! I’ve always done well in school (Walton was the Spits’ Academic Player of the Year in 2024-2025) and that is something that I will look into doing later down the road. I wish everyone who is going to school next season nothing but the best but if they all came back, I would probably be traded away and I want to come back to Windsor again.

I’m hoping that maybe Cristo (Anthony Cristofaro) and I can return along with someone else and hope lead the way on the team next season.

It’s not going to be a total rebuild for us as we do have some talented guys returning. We are going to be competitive next season, and I want to be part of it.”

The post SPITFIRE SPOTLIGHT with CONOR WALTON appeared first on In Play! magazine.

Windsor Spitfires’ Carson Woodall Named OHL Humanitarian of the Year

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has announced that Windsor Spitfires defenceman Carson Woodall is this year’s recipient of the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the OHL Humanitarian of the Year.

Woodall has made charitable contributions to cancer research in excess of $175,000 through his Woody’s Hoodies initiative, a cause near and dear to his heart. The initiative was inspired by Woodall’s two grandmothers, including the late Nana O’Brien and in support of Nana Woodall, who has also battled cancer. His creative fundraising endeavours have included engaging minor hockey tournaments, partnering with teams, schools and local businesses as well as rappelling down one of Windsor’s tallest buildings on two separate occasions.

While hoodies are Woodall’s most sought after line of fundraising apparel, he’s ventured into other creative styles such as pucks, stickers and drink koozies.

“We did a lot in the community for cancer research in honour of my grandma. I’m just hoping that this can bring some awareness to it and we can do more with Woody’s Hoodies in the future. I’m thankful for all of the support I’ve received and have really enjoyed doing this work.” – Carson Woodall

Named the 2025 Youth Philanthropist of the Year by the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation, Woodall’s charitable efforts have benefitted causes such as Play for a Cure, the Windsor Cancer Foundation and Erie Shores Hospice. His iconic “Woody’s Hoodies” can be seen throughout Windsor-Essex as he continues to roll out new customized designs and has sold more than 5,500 items including over 4,800 hoodies. He becomes the first player in Windsor Spitfires history to be named OHL Humanitarian of the Year.

“Carson is a local product who developed through the LaSalle Vipers of the GOHL, growing into a Defenceman of the Year finalist,” said Spitfires General Manager Bill Bowler. “His initiative with Woody’s Hoodies also speaks volumes about his character and the values instilled by his family. He’s not only made an impact on the ice, but in the community as well, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”

A former 10th round pick by the Spitfires in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Woodall stepped up his offensive production this past season, finishing with 12 goals, 51 assists and 63 points over 68 games to be named an OHL Defenceman of the Year finalist. The Belle River native was the OHL Defenceman of the Month for October, and finished his fourth OHL season with 21 goals, 109 assists and 130 points over 194 games in a Spitfires uniform. Woodall placed second in OHL Coaches Poll voting as the Western Conference’s most improved player, as well as best offensive defenceman. He recently announced a commitment to Boston College (NCAA).

Each year the OHL awards a player that has demonstrated outstanding qualities as a positive role model in the community with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy. The Ontario Hockey League Board of Governors announced in 2004 that the OHL Humanitarian of the Year award would be named in recognition of the former Owen Sound Platers captain, who was twice named his team’s Humanitarian of the Year in recognition of his tremendous efforts in supporting community activities.

Woodall emerged as this year’s award winner from a group of finalists also consisting of David Egorov of the Brantford Bulldogs, Tristen Trevino of the Erie Otters, Thanasi Marentette of the Peterborough Petes and Beckham Edwards of the Sarnia Sting.

Woodall will be formally presented with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy at the 2026 OHL Awards Ceremony this June at The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

The post Spitfires’ Carson Woodall OHL Humanitarian of the Year appeared first on In Play! magazine.

Windsor Spitfires Defeat Kitchener Rangers 4-2 in Game 3 Western Conference Final

Spitfires Cut Series Deficit to 2-1 with Dominant Home Performance

The Windsor Spitfires kept their championship hopes alive on Monday, April 27, 2026, defeating the Kitchener Rangers 4-2 at the WFCU Centre. The victory marked Windsor’s first win of the Western Conference Final series, cutting Kitchener’s lead to 2-1 in the best-of-seven matchup.

First Period Sets the Tone

Windsor struck early and often in the opening frame. Defenseman Jakub Fibigr opened scoring just 1:55 into the game on a five-on-three power play, assisted by Anthony Cristoforo and Liam Greentree.

Alex Pharand doubled the lead at 14:07 with his second goal of the playoffs, receiving a perfect feed from rookie Caden Harvey. “It’s probably the biggest and most important goal I’ve scored in my career,” Pharand said after the game.

Christian Humphreys pulled Kitchener within one at 16:08, assisted by Jack Pridham and Cameron Arquette, making it 2-1 heading into the intermission.

Robinson’s Quick Strike Proves Decisive

After a scoreless second period, Andrew Robinson restored Windsor’s two-goal advantage just 24 seconds into the third frame. The 18-year-old defenseman’s second goal of the postseason, assisted by Cole Davis, gave the Spitfires crucial breathing room.

Cameron Arquette, celebrating his 19th birthday and playing near his hometown of Wheatley, scored at 15:00 to pull Kitchener back within one. “It’s cool to play here now,” Arquette said. “It’s cool to come back and play a game like that, and I’m excited for Wednesday.”

Ethan Garden sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 19:31, his fourth of the playoffs, with Davis earning his second assist of the night.

Costanzo Stands Tall Between the Pipes

Joey Costanzo delivered a stellar performance for Windsor, stopping 21 of 23 shots for a .913 save percentage. His composure during Kitchener’s second-period pressure proved crucial in preserving the lead.

Game Statistics and Special Teams

Despite being outshot 23-17, Windsor capitalized on their opportunities. The Spitfires’ power play went 1-for-5, while Kitchener failed to convert on all three of their chances. Windsor won 52% of faceoffs compared to Kitchener’s 48%.

Series Implications and Updated Standings

The home team has now won all three games in this Western Conference Final. Windsor improved to 9-2 in the playoffs, while Kitchener holds a 10-2 record despite the loss.

With the series at 2-1 in favor of the Rangers, Game 4 on Wednesday, April 29, at 7:05 PM EDT becomes crucial. Another Windsor victory would even the series at 2-2 and shift momentum completely. The winner of this series will advance to face either the Brantford Bulldogs or Barrie Colts for the OHL Championship.

The Spitfires demonstrated championship resilience, bouncing back from two road losses to dominate on home ice. Their blend of timely scoring, solid goaltending, and special teams execution has breathed new life into their quest for the Wayne Gretzky Trophy.

Photos: Tim Jarrold – In Play! magazine

The post Spitfires Defeat Rangers April 27, 2026 in Game 3 appeared first on In Play! magazine.