Spitfire Spotlight with Jack Nesbitt

Jack Nesbitt is in his second season with the Windsor Spitfires after being selected in the first round, 20th overall, of the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. In 29 games into his sophomore season with the Spitfires, the 6’4”, 185 lb. centre has already surpassed his scoring statistics from his rookie campaign by notching 12 goals and adding 13 assists.

The 17-year-old native of Sarnia is eligible for the 2025 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Nesbitt was rated as a ‘B’ prospect for the player lottery, meaning that his selection in the second or third round is likely. However, that initial ranking came before the start of the current OHL season and Nesbitt’s stock is undoubtedly on the rise.

Nesbitt assumed the role of Santa’s helper when he scored the Spitfires’ first goal of the game in the team’s annual teddy bear toss game on December 8. The Spitfires were trailing 3-0 at the time of Nesbitt’s goal and his marker ignited the Spitfires comeback in their eventual 7-4 win over the Saginaw Spirit. He also added two assists in the game against the defending Memorial Cup champions from Saginaw and was named the first star of the game for his efforts.

In Play! Magazine: Talk about the Spitfires’ season so far. Why is the team doing so much better this season than last season?

Jack Nesbitt: “Last season was a bit of a mess and it wasn’t fun to go to the rink sometimes but this season everyone is a lot more focused and we can’t wait to get to the rink every day. Everything is a lot more professional this season and it helps to have the right coaches behind the bench and in the dressing room.

We’re going to get better as this season progresses and into the play-offs and I feel that this season is just the start of great things to come for the Windsor Spitfires.”

In Play! Magazine: Just half-way into this season and you’ve already passed your offensive totals from last season. What are the reasons for the significant improvement of your own game in 2024-2025?

Jack Nesbitt: “I spent a lot of time last summer putting on weight and getting stronger and faster. I also practiced shooting a lot of pucks since the end of last season.

I’ve focused on becoming better this season and all last summer because this is the biggest season of my career. My parents and all the people I worked out with last summer and the people I am working with in the entire Spitfires organization have all been so supportive. I think that has shown in my own play so far this season. I am going to continue becoming focused and I’m going to continue working hard.”

In Play! Magazine: What’s the strength of your game and what areas of it do you need to improve?

Jack Nesbitt: “I think that I’m a power forward and I like to use my size to play with physicality. Also, I like to get in there and battle.

I think that I still have to improve my puck management and my shot still needs to improve but I’m still working on that. I also have to stop giving the puck away as much as I have been.”

In Play! Magazine: What is your role on the Spitfires this season?

Jack Nesbitt: “I think that any of our top three lines could play first line minutes and it doesn’t really matter Wally (Spits head coach Greg Walters) moves around because all season so far everyone seems to be able to play well with everyone else.

I’ve been playing a lot lately with Ethan Belchetz and Ethan Martin. We’re all big and strong and I think that we get things done and we are very hard to play against in any area of the ice.

I play my regular shift and I like to think that I earn my time on the powerplay and penalty-kill too.”

In Play! Magazine: You’ve already had two fights so far this season. If you get into another one you will automatically be suspended by the Ontario Hockey League for five games. Is that going to influence the way you play for the rest of this season?

Jack Nesbitt: “No, it’s not going to affect my play as I will always play with a physical flair. If I have to stand up for myself or if one of my teammates needs some help, I will not have a problem with dropping the gloves if I have to.”

In Play! Magazine: You’ve just been named to the Connor McDavid Top Prospects Game that will be played in Brantford on January 15, 2024. What’s your reaction?

Jack Nesbitt: “It is definitely an honour to be named to that team since it will have the OHL’s top draft-eligible players. I’m just excited to get there and to get to know all the boys. Although, I do know a few of them already since I’ve either played with them or against them when I was younger.

I’m excited to have the opportunity to show the NHL scouts and general managers what I can do.”