Sportsvival’s draft desk is profiling the 2026 class with deep scouting that follows junior and international production, physical and skating traits, special‑teams projection, and program fit so teams and readers can weigh ceilings, floors, and roster fit. Today Sportsvival scouts Ethan Belchetz.
Ethan Belchetz — Profile
Position: Left wing; Shoots: Left
Birthdate: March 30, 2008
Birthplace: Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Height / Weight: 6'5" / 226 lb
Current club: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
NHL draft eligible: 2026
Early Days
Belchetz developed through the Oakville Rangers and dominated at the U16 AAA level, leading his league in scoring and earning OMHA West U16 AAA Player of the Year honors before starring at the 2024 OHL Cup, where he was named tournament MVP.
Physical Profile
Frame and Strength: A prototypical power forward at 6'5", 226 lb, Belchetz already plays with pro‑level mass and uses it to win net‑front battles and board play.
Skating and Tools: Scouts note a functional stride for his size, above‑average hands around the net, and finishing instincts that make him a consistent threat on rebounds and in traffic.
Junior Path and Windsor Stats
Belchetz broke into the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires and posted 38 points (17 G, 21 A) in 56 games in 2024–25 and has followed that with 40 points (25 G, 15 A) in 36 games so far in 2025-26, showing a clear uptick in goal scoring and efficiency in his sophomore major‑junior season.
On Ice Production and Impact
Net front scoring: High‑value goals from the crease and on rebounds; consistently in the right place to convert second chances.
Board and cycle play: Uses size to protect pucks and create traffic for teammates.
Transition: Developing playmaker; primary value remains finishing and physicality.
Special teams: Projects as a power‑play net presence and heavy forechecker on the penalty kill.
International Resume and Scouting Takeaways
Belchetz has appeared on Canada’s age‑group radar and produced in high‑leverage tournament settings, reinforcing his reputation as a clutch net‑front winger who can tilt games with physical scoring.
Scouting Section
Positives
Elite size and frame that translates immediately to pro‑style board and net battles.
Crease finishing and rebound instincts; consistently finds high‑value scoring areas.
Physicality and board play that create second‑chance opportunities and wear down opponents.
Improving goal scoring year over year, showing an ability to convert chances at a higher rate.
Functional mobility for his size that allows him to get to the net and sustain pressure in the offensive zone.
Negatives
Playmaking and vision away from the net remain underdeveloped; not yet a primary setup threat.
Consistency away from the crease—can disappear in sequences that require puck creation or zone exits.
Skating refinement needed to sustain top‑line minutes against faster competition.
Reliance on net chaos for production; needs to diversify scoring methods to reach elite ceiling.
Pro Comparison
Pro Comparison:
Milan Lucic early career, Belchetz projects as a modern Lucic‑type net presencer: a big winger who changes games with physicality and high‑value slot goals, but who will need to expand playmaking and skating to reach true top‑line minutes.
Sportsvival View Draft Projection and Fit
Projection: Top‑10-20 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, with legitimate Top‑10 upside for teams prioritizing immediate net‑front impact and pro size. Key considerations: skating refinement, added playmaking, and translation of OHL production to international and older competition.